Cell Phone Industry News

Cell Phones use Increases
05/16/2005 04:43 PM

Young adults nation wide are doing away with landlines and are relying on cell phone use only. This new trend poses several problems including the lack of landline use, which decreases income and tax produced from landline phones.

AMBER Alerts Via Wireless Phones
05/17/2005 01:54 PM

Wireless users are now able to sign up to receive AMBER alerts via their cell phone. This alert would come as a text message in hopes to help increase the amount of missing children that are found each year.

Cell Phones offer Triple X Entertainment
05/23/2005 02:13 PM

The porn industry is breaking into an entirely new world, the world of cell phones, iPods and other handheld devices, that allow transfer of photos or movies. By 2010, analysts estimate that this business could bring in $10 billion.

Caller Tunes from T-Mobile
07/07/2005 02:21 PM

T-Mobile is offering Caller Tunes, a new feature that allows callers to hear a song instead of the normal "ring ring." This new option features many songs from the actual artists and includes a variety of genres including rap, rock, alternative and everything 80's.

Motorola Razr V3
07/07/2005 02:30 PM

Motorola offers a stylish phone, the Razr V3, which features many features and a sleek design. The phone is available to Cingluar customers, with a service contract. The phone costs around $200 but has been seen for more or less and can be offered as a special for new Cingular customers. This phone comes in silver or black and has an anodized aluminum finish.

Camera Phones Capture Tragedy
07/08/2005 02:25 PM

Minutes after the London bombings, hundreds of photos began flooding websites, brining the experience to those who weren't there. The photos come from the average consumer, toting around camera phones. The pictures put pressure of news sources, which are not able to capture events as they happen.

Recycle Your Cell Phones
07/08/2005 02:41 PM

Throwing old cell phones in the garbage is a bad for the environment. Many websites are offering a new way to recycle old cell phones. Websites are offering cash and gift certificated for your old cell phone.

Verizon Wireless Broadband Access
07/08/2005 02:45 PM

Verizon Wireless offers Internet access to their wireless customers through a PC wireless card that serves as a modem. The PC wireless card allows Internet access in over 40 markets. There is no designated area where Internet access is allowed, if the user is in range, Internet access can be used in a taxi, at home, or at a hotel.

Wireless Use Restricted in NY Tunnels
07/11/2005 02:52 PM

Wireless use has been restricted in four New York tunnels in response to the London bombings that occurred last week. Although officials have not established if the bombing was cell phone detonated, security wants to play it safe. The four tunnels with restricted phone access include Lincoln, Holland, Midtown, and Brooklyn-Battery tunnels.

NASCAR Wireless Phone
07/11/2005 02:57 PM

Calling all racing fans. Nextel, a wireless phone company, is offering a collectors addition 2004 NASCAR cup series cell phone. The phone features a racing theme that includes NASCAR wallpaper and ringtones. Nextel offers this phone from $99-150 depending on any specials, with a two-year service contract.

Disney and Cell Phones
07/12/2005 02:48 PM

Coming soon to wireless markets everywhere, cell phones for kids. Cell phone marketers are developing new wireless phones that will appeal to the younger crowds of 12 years old. These phones will feature mommy and daddy one touch dialing keys and will come in kid colors including x-ray and bubblegum. They are also adding educational software and animated wallpapers, making the phones as appealing as possible to their new market.

Cell Phones and Driving Don't Mix
07/13/2005 05:37 PM

A recent cell phone study shows that using a cell phone while driving increase the chances of getting into a serious car accident by four times. This includes driving while using a hands free device. The study was conducted in Western Australia

Televisions in Your Pocket?
07/13/2005 05:41 PM

The next big thing coming to the palm of your hand: television. Currently, many of the wireless carriers offer their customers television access, but in the next couple of years televisions access will be as popular as camera phones currently are. It is estimated that within two years, 70% of all phones will be equipped with television access and will have enough memory and processing power to handle television services.

Sprint PCS Vision
07/13/2005 05:44 PM

Sprint offers a variety of extras to their customers with their PCS Vision option. All of Sprint phones are combatable with this great option. Enjoy short television clips, music and plenty of other extras all for an extra monthly fee of course. Fees differ depending on which services you want to take advantage of.

BlackBerry 7100
07/14/2005 05:04 PM

The BlackBerry 7100 is a great hand held featuring a full keyboard and is the size of a regular wireless phone. Past BlackBerry's were a little larger, but the new 7100 has slimmed down and features many extras that users have come to expects from a BlackBerry.

Police Department Collecting Cell Phones
07/14/2005 05:10 PM

The Tuttle Police Department of Tuttle, Oklahoma is asking for your old cell phones. Why, one might ask? The Tuttle Police Department is asking for cell phones to give to the elderly as well as battered women for emergency phone calls. The "phones for friends" program distributes the phone to those who are in need. The phones will only be able to call 911.

Should Cell Phones be "A Loud" on Airplanes?
07/14/2005 05:12 PM

Recently the question of whether cell phone use should be allowed during flight was brought to the attention of a congressional subcommittee. Many voiced concerns of safety as well as brought up the annoyance factor.

Nokia 3650
07/15/2005 04:55 PM

The Nokia 3650 is a fun phone that offers video and playback capabilities and can capture still images as well. This phone can be customized with changeable face plates in a variety of colors.

Cell Phones Won't End Up on Planes
07/15/2005 05:03 PM

The Federal Aviation Administration told lawmakers are Thursday, that even if the Federal Communications Commission lifted the ban of cell phone use during flight, that they will not.

Cell Phones for Soldiers
07/15/2005 05:04 PM

Since last year, Brittany, 13, and Robbie, 12, Bergquist, brother and sister started the Cell Phones for Soldiers drive, attempting to help purchase phone cards for soldiers across the sea. Since the start of their program, the two have helped raise $100,000 for calls.

Moviegoers and Cell Phones
07/18/2005 05:45 PM

As a trial launch, three Loews theatres will offer movie promotional items via your cell phone, powered by BlueTooth technologies. Last month, 20th Century Fox signed a deal with Loews Cineplex Entertainment to distribute ring tones, movie trailers, and pictures to your cell phone via a kiosk as part of a promotional opportunity.

Sprint and Verizon will Begin to Offer EA Games
07/18/2005 05:50 PM

Sprint and Verizon, rival wireless companies, announced that they have teamed up with Electronic Arts Inc, to offer EA games to their subscribers. They will offer popular EA Games including "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006" and "Poppit!"

Truck-Specific GPS System for Cell Phones
07/18/2005 05:53 PM

Nextel Communications Inc., ALK Technologies, and Motorola Inc. have teamed up to launch PC*MILER|Mobile, the first spoken, truck-specific GPS system for cell phones. The service is available through Nextel's GPS and JAVA enabled handsets and is powered by Motorola's Viamoto technology. The handsets can be mounted in the truck for hands free use.

Cell Phones Turned Back On in New York Tunnels
07/21/2005 11:41 AM

Cell phones can now be used in the four New York tunnels, where service had been restricted after the London bombings. On Tuesday service was turned back on for the Holland and Lincoln tunnels and it was resumed July 11 for the Brooklyn Battery and Queens tunnels.

Cell Phone Sales on the Rise
07/21/2005 11:44 AM

Gartner, a research group predicts that wireless phone sales will hit the one billion mark in 2009 and there will be 2.6 billion cell phone users. This year it is expected the 800 million cell phones will be sold.

Putting Cell Phones into Kids Hands
07/21/2005 03:08 PM

Children using cell phones are on the rise and Firefly Mobile has come up with an answer; kid size cell phones with features perfect for kids 8-12 years old. Firefly Mobile, release their new pre-paid cell phone to the market and is available at Target for $99, which includes the kiddie cell phone and 30 pre-paid minutes. Cell service is available through Cincinnati Bell.

T-Zones
07/21/2005 02:58 PM

T-Mobile offers their customers T-Zones, which allows users to connect to check messages, download fun features and enjoy web features. Users can connect to T-Zones via their cell phone or on-line after signing in to their account. Each service costs a different monthly charge.

Oakley and Motorola
07/25/2005 05:09 PM

Oakley and Motorola have teamed up to create the next new wave in headsets for your cell phones, Razrwire. Powered by Bluetooth, the new wireless headset is set in a pair of stylish sunglasses with an attached earpiece and microphone. Wear the glasses everywhere you go and answer calls with a touch of a button instead of searching for your phone.

In Case of an Emergency
07/25/2005 05:15 PM

A young student is in a car accident and needs to be rushed for medical attention. The police officer has no idea who he should contact to notify them of the accident. The officer then notices a cell phone and opens the phone book or contacts screen and scrolls to find an ICE contact. ICE, or in case of emergency numbers are a great way to help officials contact a loved one in an emergency situation.

Samsung SGH-D500 Phones
07/27/2005 04:27 PM

Samsung has had quite a bit success with the release of their SGH-D500 a stylish blue-black phone. Sales have skyrocketed since its release and it is estimated that 10 million of these units will be sold by the end of the year. This phone is not available in the United States.

Motorola and Yahoo to Team Up
07/28/2005 02:38 PM

Motorola and Yahoo have teamed up to offer Yahoo Internet services from Motorola phones. Search features, e-mail and instant messaging services will be pre-loaded on the phones early in 2006. They will also add iRadio that will allow users to carry the radio with them wherever they go similar to a satellite service.

AOL Tests Mobile Access
07/28/2005 02:42 PM

America Online has announced that it has begun testing cell phone Internet searching devices for mobile devices supporting Wireless Application Protocol. The service will allow users to access AOL Search, PinPoint Shopping Search and AOL Yellow Pages.

Kiddie Cell Phones Get a Negative Reaction
07/28/2005 02:46 PM

After the release of the new kiddie cell phones, a group of children advocates accused cell phone makers of declaring "open season" on U.S. children and asked Congress to investigate the hot marketing trend. Advocated include child entertainer Raffi and political activist Phyllis Schlafly joined Commercial Alert, a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, by starting a letter writing campaign.

Cell Phones Alert Ovulation
08/01/2005 10:30 PM

A new text message service, EggAlert, sends out text messages to women during their ovulation period. PDAHealthWare Inc. developed EggAlert; to help busy women who are trying to get pregnant, keep track of their fertile days.

Napster Goes Wireless
08/01/2005 10:35 PM

Soon to come to your hand held music downloads from Napster.com. Napster is teaming up with Ericsson to offer a new service that would allow users to download music to their cell phones as well as having the download e-mailed to the user's PCs. "We're targeting markets that have both PCs and the mobile solution for the capabilities of dual delivery," said president of Napster, Brad Duea.

Court TV to Go Wireless
08/01/2005 10:38 PM

The popular forensics and legal information channel, Court TV is making its debut on the wireless market. Court TV, owned by Time Warner Inc. and Liberty Media Corp., has signed a deal with SmartVideo Technologies Inc. to offer its content on cell phones. SmartVideo currently offers ABC News, NBC Universal, Fox Sports and The Weather Channel and more to their subscribers.

Diane von Furstenberg Cell Phone
08/02/2005 02:55 PM

Calling those trendy, ahead of the time, and fashion lovers. Samsung introduces the limited edition, collector's item; the Diane von Furstenberg cell phone. The phone reveals Diane as captured by painter Andy Warhol. The phone includes accessories including a Chic CityBand that holds a cell phone, lip-gloss and credit cards. The Diane von Furstenberg is a dressed up VM-A680 from Samsung and there are only 1,000 of these phones in circulation so get one while it's hot!

Cell Phones Require GPS
08/02/2005 03:01 PM

By the end of this year all cell phones will require global-positioning systems and so far it has not been an easy task to make the switch. The Federal Communications Commission's mandate states that 95% of all wireless customers be equipped with digital phones that contains a chip that pinpoints a users location for 911 calls.

Cell Phones Wont be Found in the Classroom
08/02/2005 03:05 PM

More and more schools across the United States are banning cell phone use in the classroom. Elementary, high schools and universities a like, agree that cell phones are a distraction and there isn't a need for them during class time. Schools are adding the new rules against cell phones and other electronics to their handbooks, making it official in time for the new year.

The Hub
08/03/2005 05:36 PM

The Hub at Verizon Wireless is the hot spot where wireless users can download games, wallpaper, and ringtones. This is the fun spot where Verizon customers can customize their phones to their own personal style. Phones need to be enabled with Get it Now and can be accessed through a users wireless phone or the Internet. Each service comes at a separate cost.

Siemens S66
08/03/2005 05:41 PM

The Siemens S66 is the perfect phone for the business but family oriented traveler. It features Internet options and is equipped with a camera to capture still and live shots. Keep up with business associates while getting a peek at what you are missing at home.

What is Bluetooth?
08/04/2005 02:35 PM

More and more electronic devices are coming equipped with Bluetooth technology, which leads to the questions what is Bluetooth? How does it work? What products are equipped with this new technology? What are the benefits of having Bluetooth electronics?

Keep Track of Used Minutes
08/04/2005 02:39 PM

With teen cell phone usage on the rise, parents grow more concerned about their wallets. Teens often don't track their own minutes or keep up on their text messaging, leaving their parents with large bills. Verizon Wireless has come up with a way to help teens and parents keep track of their minutes and text message usage, for their Southern California customers.

Expect to Find Cell Phones in the Unexpected
08/04/2005 02:42 PM

Pre-paid wireless phones are popping up all over including your local 7-11 convenience shop. Customers can grab a Slurpee and a cell phone and be merrily on their way. 7-11 is just one of many new companies, with no technology background, bringing in pre-paid cell phones. Jeanne Yanaro, a marketing manager who lives in Chelmsford, Mass states, "It would have been the last place I'd have thought to go for a phone."

.mobi
08/04/2005 06:03 PM

It was announced last month that the ICANN or Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has approved the .mobi domain for mobile phone websites. With the Internet and cell phones becoming more popular with each day, it was decided that there is a need for mobile content so that cell phones would be used more often for Internet capabilities.

T-Mobile Sidekick II
08/08/2005 06:28 PM

The new Sidekick from T-Mobile offers all of the features that one would like from a handheld including a full keyboard, a camera with a flash and a speakerphone. Plus users can add additional T-Mobile services to personalize their handheld.

Single-Chip Breakthrough
08/08/2005 06:34 PM

Texas Instruments has announced the release of the single-chip cell phone. With the growing cell phone markets in other countries, handset manufacturers were looking for a way to reduce costs.

Samsung SCH-i730
08/08/2005 06:37 PM

The Samsung SCH-i730 is a great phone for business-oriented consumers on the go. The phone is equipped with Bluetooth technology and features a sliding keyboard. It also offers Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC.

Virgin Mobile Pay as You Go
08/09/2005 02:18 PM

Virgin Mobile offers pay as you go wireless service that allows users to purchase the amount of minutes based on their needs. Virgin Mobile offers a variety of options, including a variety of cell phones and payment options. It's easy to start and there are no contract fees; users need to renew service every 90 days to keep phone in service.

LG A7110
08/09/2005 02:20 PM

The LG A7110 is available through Cingular Wireless, with a service contract. This sleek wireless phone is sliding phone that offers a large display screen and the up to date features including a camera and Internet capabilities.

Direct Connect Walkie-Talkie
08/10/2005 03:39 PM

Direct Connect is a service offered from Nextel that allows users to talk to other users at the push of a button, similar to how walkie-talkies work. The walkie-talkie calls run through the Nextel National Network, allowing for a clear transfer of words. There is also the option to switch from the speakerphone mode to a private mode.

Nokia i760
08/10/2005 03:43 PM

The Nokia i760 offers many great features including the walkie-talkie mode, a color display, and speakerphone. The phone is offered through Nextel with a service contract.

Star Trek goes Mobile
08/11/2005 04:48 PM

Sona Mobile and Viacom Consumer Products has announced a partnership to develop a new rich content enable cell phone, themed after the Star Trek communicator device, from the popular television series in the 1960's and Star Trek movies that have followed.

Waterproof Cell Phone Cases
08/11/2005 04:51 PM

There is a demand for waterproof casing for cell phones and there are plenty of options available for customers. Waterproof casing is available for as little as $15 but can cost much more than that, depending on features and water depth security. There are numerous of options for consumers.