What do you think about water powered cell phones? Wouldn't that be cool? In our present age where conservation and global warming have become major concerns, water powered mobile phones will surely appeal to many consumers.
It seems that Samsung is taking the eco-friendly route when they developed a micro-fuel cell and hydrogen generator that runs on water. This eco-friendly fuel cell may be able to power mobile phones in the near future.
But how will this process work? Well, according to Samsung researchers the metal and water in the phone react to produce hydrogen gas whenever the handset is turned on. This gas will then be fed into the fuel cell where it will react with oxygen and generate power. This approach is revolutionary and creative since other fuel cells require methanol to produce hydrogen. Here's the diagram that illustrates this unique fuel cell concept.
That's not all. According to Samsung researchers the new batteries can be more useful than normal batteries. You see, these newly devolped fuel cell can power a handset twice as long as rechargeable batteries. Estimates say that it can power a mobile phone for up to ten hours. That's incredible considering it only requires water.
Samsung engineers estimate that this new technology will be available in Samsung mobile phones in the year 2010. The research is expected to come up with handsets that would not require any hydrogewn cartidge change. The prototype models require a hydrogen cartridge change after every five days.
This is certainly a very interesting development. I'm a fan of conservation efforts so using a cell phone battery that does need electricity for power is very useful. A phone that runs on water is also great when you take a hike in the wilderness where to electrical source are available. You simply find some water to power up your handset. Electricity has become expensive and will probably become more pricier in years to come so renewable energy sources for mobile phones is a welcome idea.
Samsung to Develop Water Powered Handsets by 2010
Posted by Mobile Labels: handset news, mobile phone fuel cells, mobile phone news, Samsung fuel cells, water powered cellphones phones, water powered mobile phonesTired of Lonely Flights to Europe? Use Your Cellphone!
Posted by Mobile Labels: cell phones in planes, European Union, Handsets in flights, mobile phone in airplanes, mobile phones
The increase in terrorist attacks in recent years and other security threats have resulted in the ban of using mobile phones on airplane flights.
The risks of crashes, mechanical failures and attacks are fairly high so this ban was widely accepted around the globe. After all, no one wants to take any risks while flying several thousand meters above solid ground. However, the European Union has decided to end this ban and allow the use of mobile phones during flights in European skies.
New European rules have apparently deemed that using mobile phones on airplanes have become safe. European airlines are expected to launch airplane mobile phone services within the next few months. This will make the Europe the first region to legalize the use of handsets in flights.
Naturally, this decision was met with alarm. For example, may experts emphasize that mobile phone signals could disrupt a plane's instruments and detonate explosive devices. However, European Union officials express confidence that new GSM technology developed in Europe would make sure that the risk of terrorism or interfere with flight instruments will not increase.
The technology has been thoroughly tested and safeguards will be enacted against the terror
threat.
Indeed, the officials are more concerned with noise generated by mobile phones than terrorism instrument interference. Mobile phone use in long flights could be a problem. Noise from ringing devices or message alerts might disrupt sleeping passengers.
European Union officials hope to reduce security risks by controlling the period or time frame in which mobile phones can be used. They plan to halt phone services during takeoff, landing or during turbulence. They also feel that using an onboard base station to link up to a satellite and then to ground networks will minimize security risks.
They are also looking into other issues that might surface as part of this decision. Of of this is the new price or fees that will be charged to passengers who ant to avail of the mobile phone services. The plan is to have regulators in charge of making sure that set fair rates for the service are observed by keeping a close eye on the airlines and phone operators.
This is certainly an interesting development. Maybe this concept will spread and eventually mobile phone use will be allowed in US flights. However, it make take more years for that too happen. The threat in the US may be too great and Sept. 11 is still fresh in America's memory. I don't think they'll be willing to take that risk since the War in Iraq is still mot completed. Nevertheless, those long European flights have become less boring now that we are allowed to use our handsets.
Nokia's Answer to the iPhone
Posted by Mobile Labels: 3g iphone, Apple, I Phone, Nokia mobile phone, Samsung, Sperint
There is no doubt that the iPhone is one of the most sought after handsets today. A week after it was released, between 250,000 to 700,000 iPhone units were sold. That's a truly impressive number for a handset that cost around five hundred dollars.
The success of Apple's handset has spurred the creation of similar devices. Recently, Sprint and Samsung worked together to create the Instinct, a high-end device projected to challenge the dominance of the top mobile device. Not to be outdone, Nokia has also been busy at creating a device to topple Apple's hit handset.
Recently, Nokia's response to the iPhone was shownthrough a slide at the Evans Data Developer Relations Conference in Redwood City, California. Observers noted that Nokia's device looks similar to the iPhone. The project was codenamed the "Tube" and was shown to feature a touch interface in the presentation. Apple's bestseller was dubbed "Puple2" during its development.
Nokia's device showed graphical displays and as a promotion for the movie Shrek the Third was shown. The ability to upload photos ans other capabilities will be featured on the device. The "Tube" will also support Java which was a bit of an issue with the iPhone.
Reports say that Nokia is confident that its project can match and may even overcome the success of the iPhone. The company's spokesman noted that the company has equaled the number of shipped iPhone units. As of now, the company has not yet set a shipment date for the "Tube."
I guess we all just have to wait and see if the "Tube" can indeed dethrone the iPhone. So far, other challengers have not been able to uproot Apple's top mobile phone. Developers are also trying to develop improvements for the iPhone and a 3G version is due yo be release this year. The device is already so popular that it has became a household name and so holds an advantage over the competition.
Nokia Releases Affordable Handsets for Emerging Markets
Posted by Mobile Labels: cell phones, Growing Together 2008, handsets, mobile phones, Nokia, Nokia 1680 classic, Nokia 2680 slide, Nokia 5000, Nokia 7070 Prism
Things are getting hot at the CTIA 2008 in Las Vegas, but things are also getting exciting in South Africa. The Growing Together 2008 conference held in Johannesburg, is the venue for Nokia's release of handsets meant for emerging mobile phone markets.
Let me give the details of the phones that were launched at the Growing Together 2008 conference. Let us begin with the Nokia 5000. This phone offers a powerful package at an affordable price. It offers a high resolution QVGA display, a 1.3 megapixel camera, FM radio with recording functionality, MP3 ring tones and other cool features for a reasonable price.
This mobile phone caters to users who travel frequently and mobile entrepreneurs because it supports email. It also offers other essential benefits such as Nokia Xpress Audio Messaging, Bluetooth and GPRS connectivity.
The Nokia 1680 Classic was also released at Johannesburg. This classic cellphone offers important mobile phone functionality with the added benefits of a basic digital camera. This device is being touted as one of most affordable cameraphones. Users will like the VGA camera and video recording that features one-touch access for photos and videos. However, this device offers much more than just a camera because consumers can also benefit from phone sharing functionality and easy access to email.
Another phone that was launched in the conference is the classy Nokia 7070 Prism. This handset's stylish, fold design sets it apart from other devices in the mobile phone market. it sports geometric patterns and external light effects that creates a unique fashionable appeal.
This is a great phone for people who like to personalize with themes, wallpapers, and MP3-grade ringtones. Users will stand out in a crowd with the Prism with the help of its voice recorder and integrated hands-free speaker.
The final Nokia handset that was released in South Africa is the 2680 slide. This handset is a slim cameraphone but is more than just a stylish device. It offers a balance of entertainment functionality and user friendly features. An FM radio with recording capability and MP3 ringtones, and an expanded phone book are examples of features that help to maintain this balance. Users can capture and share spontaneous moments with the aid of the integrated digital camera on the Nokia 2680 slide.
It seems that Nokia is committed into making a move on the emerging mobile phone markets in the Dark Continent. the release of these phones will pave the way for more mobile phone devices and services that will satisfy the demand of consumers in these markets. other Mobile phone manufacturers will surely follow Nokia's example and launch their own handsets.
Motorola May Split into Two Companies Next Year
Posted by Mobile Labels: Carl Icahn, mobile phone, mobile phone company, Motorla, motorola split
Recently, Reuters reported a significant development that may change the mobile phone manufacturing industry. It became clear that Motorola was unable to find quick fix solutions for its problems when it announced that it would split into two publicly traded entities next year.
This seems to be the right decision as Motorola's shares rose 26 cents to $10.02 after they made the announcement. The company has continued to suffer from market share losses to Nokia, Samsung Electronics and other top rivals. The company also suffered a huge a loss in market value of 60 percent to about $22 billion in just over a year forcing the company to form a plan to split.
The company is looking into separating its mobile phone unit from the rest of the business. Besides manufacturing mobile phone devices, Motorola also manufactures network equipment and television set-top boxes.
Experts think that this decision may be able to help the company's recovery. The mobile phone manufacturer may find it easier to negotiate a joint venture or a sale for the cell phone business. However, top talent could leave amid the uncertainty that is besieging the the company.
Motorola has also decided to give in to activist investor Carl Icahn's demands. However, Carl is still determined to pursue the proxy battle he has waged with Motorola. If Motorola agrees to place Keith Meister on the bored, then Icahn will take a less aggressive stance. Meister is the chairman of Icahn Enterprises and manager of the investor's $8 billion fund.
I hope that Motorola will be able to benefit from this decision. I also hope that they will continue to provide quality mobile phones to consumers. Competition between manufacturers ensures that they will continue to provide the best products possible so taking Motorola out of the competition may not benefit consumers.
Sprint Nextel Guilty of RICO Law Violations?
Posted by Mobile Labels: federal anti-racketeering laws, RICO, sprint, Sprint in trouble, Sprint nextelCustomer migration is one of the significant factors that is causing the decline of Sprint Nextel. Many dissatisfied customers choose to end their relationship with Sprint to seek better from other mobile phone service providers.![]()
One of the best indication that customers are dissatisfied with a service is the number of complaints or suits directed against that service or company. Customers usually only resort to legal action when they feel that they have been seriously wronged. Sprint Nextel is currently facing several class actions for a variety of reasons. The most recent one accuses the company of violating RICO laws.
The class action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in Birmingham. Apparently, some consumers believe that they were not adequately informed about data fees accompanying picture mail service subscriptions so Sprint Nextel violated federal anti-racketeering laws.
Here is a statement from the suit,
The complainants hope that by this suit Sprint Nextel will be forced to cease Picture Mail Plan advertising. They are also hoping that the company will disclose all related charges in itemized fashion on consumers’ bills. They are also hoping that they will receive compensation for expenses and damages.“The purpose and intent of these deceptive, false, fraudulent and misleading advertisements was to entice and/or lure Sprint Nextel customers into purchasing the ‘Sprint Picture Mail’ plan for a $5/month service charge without disclosing the true charges associated with this add-on service, which were exorbitant and in many cases caused the purchaser’s bill to double.”
It seems that Sprint Nextel is not getting any breaks this year. The continuing struggle of the company led some analyst to postulate that the company is heading into ruining. Unless the company can overcome the challenges, it may be absorbed by more successful rivals.
Wi-Fi-Enabled BlackBerry Pearl 8120 Now on AT&T Line up!
Posted by Mobile Labels: ATT, BlackBerry Pearl 8120, Wi-Fi, WiFi enabled Blackberry
I found this Research In Motion Press Release today when I was browsing through Mobile phone sites. This release formally announces that the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8120 is now available to customers.
I learned that this device is suited for business customers. At&T's new device is a global handset with built-in Wi-Fi. It has a small and stylish design that combines multimedia functionality and business-grade communications. This device measures just 4.2” x 2.4” x 0.5” and weighs approximately 3.2 ounces so it is more compact compared with similar devices.
Business customers will be able to use the broadest domestic and international coverage area for wireless data services of any U.S. carrier with the help of the new BlackBerry Pearl 8120. The device features a large and ultrabright display that supports more than sixty thousand colors. .
At&T's BlackBerry Pearl 8120 is capable of the renowned BlackBerry e-mail and messaging qualities and premium phone features. When it is connected to a Wi-Fi network it gains simultaneous voice and data access.
This handset is aso al good choice if you are after multimedia capable devices. The BlackBerry Pearl 8120 features a 2-megapixel camera with video recorder1, an advanced media player, a 3.5-mm stereo headset jack, Bluetooth® 2.0 and externally accessible microSD/SDHC memory slot for additional storage. It also has support for Bluetooth accessories like headsets, car kits, stereo headsets.
Customers engage in business can extend the BlackBerry platform to public hot spots2, corporate wireless local area networks and home Wi-Fi networks and maintaining their existing BlackBerry security architecture at the same time. How is this possible? Well, this cool device provides support for Wi-Fi 802.11b/g networks.
Customers who travel abroad can also benefit from this device because of its global capabilities.
This handset complements AT&T's industry-best domestic and international wide area wireless data coverage. This means that users outside the US are who are abroad connected with wireless e-mail, Internet access and other mobile applications through data services. With this device they can make or receive voice calls in more than 200 countries. That is simply amazing!
If you want to check out or purchase this device then you should visit AT&T stores or its online site. I hope this information can be of service to you.