Business Notes
-- TWICE, 11/23/2009
Wi-Fi Router-Phone Due
TAOYUAN, TAIWAN — An HTC-made 3G smartphone due in the U.S. early next year will incorporate embedded Wi-Fi router, enabling multiple laptop users to share a cellular-data connection when they're on the go.
The HD2, equipped with Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional OS, comes home to America in early 2010 through a major carrier, HTC said. Pricing and carrier haven't been announced. The 3G phone is currently available in Europe and Taiwan and is equipped with 3G 7.2Mbps HSPA cellular technology.
Sprint Adds First Netbook
OVERLAND PARK, KAN. — Sprint began offering a netbook with embedded 3G wireless for the first time in its stores in select markets, joining indirect retailers who already offer netbooks and laptops certified for use on Sprint.
Sprint stores in San Francisco, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Baltimore have begun selling the 3G-equipped Dell Inspiron Mini 10 at $199 after $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year 3G service contract.
AT&T Plans 7.2Mbps USB Modem
DALLAS — AT&T plans Nov. 22 availability of its first wireless USB modem to incorporate the 7.2Mbps version of its HSPA cellular-data technology. The Sierra Wireless-made USB Connect Lightning will be available for $99 in all channels.
Maemo-OS Phone Launched
ESPOO, FINLAND — Nokia said its new N900 cellphone, based on its new Linux-based open source Maemo 5 OS, will come to the U.S., but the company isn't saying when. It's due in retail stores in overseas markets in November at an estimated 500 Euros, excluding taxes and subsidies.
The OS lets users run multiple applications simultaneously and delivers a “full browsing experience.” It features ARM Cortex-A8 processor and up to 1GB of total application memory. It features embedded 32GB storage for up to 40 hours of DVD-quality video, and it can be expanded up to 48GB with an external MicroSD card.
Samsung Readies Open OS
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — Samsung plans a December launch of its own open OS for smartphones. Called Bada, which means “ocean in Korean, the OS will enable third-party developers to write apps for it. The company will unveil its Bada software development kit in December.
Readies Touch Pro2 PDA Phone
02/26/2009HTC Debuts U.S. Brand Push
05/11/2008Sprint Adds Treo With Rev. A
07/20/2008Samsung 3G Phones Tap Growth Segments
06/14/2009HTC Touches Up Handset Line
04/20/2008
