Yellow" adds White pages to popular iPhone app

iPhone users can now search for both business and residential listings from a single source with the second release of Yellow’s popular iPhone app.The key improvement in version 1.1 is that White pages® residential information is now also available, which means iPhone users can find friends and family, as well as businesses.Yellow’s new Digital Media Director Peter Crowe says the addition of White pages residential listings was the logical next step in the ongoing development of the app.“The White pages website is consistently one of the country’s most popular, so adding residential search to the app is a priority for us.“iPhones and other smart phones provide the ideal platform for Yellow because they can present our content at the touch of a button and overlay location details, no matter where you happen to be.”Mr Crowe says Yellow is increasingly looking to the online and mobile spaces as part of its digital growth strategy.“The way people are consuming media is changing rapidly. We’re very much living in a digital world and our aim is to ensure our key asset - our content - is available to people where they want it, when they want it and how they want it.”The Yellow iPhone app provides location awareness via the iPhone’s built in GPS, mapping and directions capability, and the ability to save businesses and people to your contacts and email search results to others.Features of the new release include:· Free to download· Search both business and residential listings· Set your own search radius when finding a business – as refined or broad as you want· Maps with normal and satellite view· Simple click to call· Driving and walking directions· Choose the number of business search results per page· Save your favourite business searches - and see the most popular ones· Save businesses and friends / family to your iPhone contacts· Share listings via emailExisting Yellow iPhone app users will be automatically prompted to download the new release from iTunes.EndsAbout YellowYellow was formed in 1988 and publishes the print, online and mobile directories for Yellow, as well as the White pages® and the Yellow Local™. Formerly part of Telecom New Zealand, Yellow owns the 018® directory assistance service, a majority stake in 50s-plus website grownups.co.nz, and publishes the Retirement guide™, Yellow frontdoor™ and New Zealand Tourism Guide™, an award-winning online tourism directory. Yellow aims to help New Zealanders complete their missions and get the job done™.For more information please visit http://www.yellow.co.nz/

Rumored Lavender Verizon BlackBerry 8530 Spotted in Light Purple Garb

It was, gosh, way back in August when Simon reported on this one. He spotted the BlackBerry 8530 in Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s internal systems, and noted that it looked like a Lavender color option was in the works.

Today, while doing my usual morning rounds, I noticed a pic of said device, and I’ve included it for you above. Nothing game changing here, but it is at the very least good to see the Verizon branding at the bottom… Rumor has it the 8530 (in black and lavender, aka ‘violet’) is going live on Verizon November 20th… Wait… that’s tomorrow! Hold on tight and let’s see what we get!

Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 Now Available in Black and ‘Smoky Violet’

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) customers, the BlackBerry Curve 8530 is now available for your consumption. Available in both Black and ‘Smoky Violet‘ (ooooh, sounds so sultry), the Curve 8530 will set you back $99.99 on a 2-year contract after a $100 online discount. This CDMA Curve packs WiFi, Bluetooth, OpenGL ES support (3D gaming here we come..), VZ Navigator, a 2MP camera, music player and more… If your previous gen Berry has had enough, this one could be worth a look.

For more information hit up VerizonWireless.com, or head on over to your local store for the skinny.

OtterBox Launches New Lineup of Cases for the BlackBerry Storm2

Are you the proud owner of a new BlackBerry Storm2, and are looking for a way to protect your investment? OtterBox to the rescue! The good folks at OtterBox have just released 3 new cases for the Storm2, and each provides the level of protection you’ve come to expect from the ruggedized case company.

The first option is the BlackBerry Storm2 Impact Case. Available for $19.95, consider this the ‘entry level’ OtterBox case for the Storm2, although…. there’s nothing really entry level about it! Official description:

The OtterBox Impact Series for BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Storm2 is a skin that truly protects. Two separate thicknesses of silicone and inner coring on the corners provide a skin that is thin, yet protective in the spots your need it. All buttons, ports and functions are accessible right through the case, and the inner coring on the corners are designed to dissipate impact AWAY from your device. This case also has an ergonomic design that your hands will love to be wrapped around!

Next we move on to the BlackBerry Storm2 Commuter Case. This one combines the best of the Impact case, with the best of the Defender case (which I’ll tell you about shortly). Running a little more expensive at $34.95, here are the details:

The OtterBox Commuter Series case for the BlackBerry Storm2 offers the best of both worlds; incorporating elements from the rugged Defender Series line with the silicone, skin-like Impact Series line to create a slick case designed with your style in mind. It’s protection without the bulk. The exposed silicone corners dissipate impact away from the device for additional bump and shock protection and the smooth outer layer allows the case to easily slide into your pocket or purse. All buttons are fully functional through the case and the audio jack and USB port are accessible through silicone plugs.

Finally, the BlackBerry Storm2 Defender Case is the ultimate in protection. If you’re looking for the ‘biggest and baddest’, this is the case for you. It’ll set you back $49.95, but if you’re prone to dropping, kicking, or button-hook passing your Storm2 throughout the day, this could be your saviour. The sweet low-down:

The OtterBox Defender Series case for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone provides the ideal solution for those looking for just the right amount of protection. With three layers of protection you can rest assured that your smartphone will be safe. All features, keys and ports are accessible through the case, providing you with a unique, interactive safeguard. Included with this case is a holster style ratcheting belt clip.

Kudos to OtterBox on their new Storm2 lineup. True, they ARE a little bulky… But if you need that extra level of protection, there’s no other place to turn than OtterBox.

BlackBerry Pearl2 9100 (Striker/Stratus) Makes First Appearance

There have been rumblings for the last couple of months about a next generation BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Pearl code-named Striker, but in the way of details, we only knew it would have 3G. Well, today the veil has been lifted, and there’s a batch of pictures and a short clip giving us a full hardware tour. In terms of styling, there’s a lot borrowed from the latest BlackBerrys, like the Storm2-style battery door and chrome-finished siding, and the optical trackpad and sharp beveled edge of the Bold 9700, but anyone who used the original 8100 series phones will recognize the similarities immediately. The SureType keys have changed little, except for maybe a little extra rounding, but notably absent is any influence from the Pearl Flip, which featured a completely flush keypad with frets between the rows. Maybe RIM would just like to forget that one, and go with what works, eh? Hardware aside, OS 5.0 is purring like a kitten on there, and Wi-Fi and 3G are both confirmed. Since the home screen is asking for a SIM card, we can only say it’ll be coming to GSM carriers for now. I’m curious what kind of screen resolution it’s packing, but it’s expected to be in the same ballpark as the Bold (HVGA). More specifics are likely on the way, so stick around!

Rogers Drops HTC Dream to $49.99 on 3-Year Contract

Hey all of you Canadian Android-lovers, looking for a good price on a first-gen Android device? How about the Rogers HTC Dream? Sound good? The folks at Canada’s ‘Big Red’ have dropped the price on the HTC Dream (about time) to $49.99 on a 3-year contract. If you don’t mind being locked-in to a device that is already passé, then throw down your Mackenzie King (Canadians will get the reference) and pick one up.

The Rogers (NYSE: RCI) HTC Dream features a 3.2″ touchscreen (320×480), built-in accelerometer, full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, GPS, 3.2MP camera with auto focus and video… and much more.

Chinese iPhone users embrace the AppStore

iPhone just recently made its debut in China. Thanks to a three-year deal with China Unicom, Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) has finally managed to bring the iPhone to the world’s largest pool of mobile phone users. With hundreds of millions of wireless subscribers in China, Apple’s got to be raking in iPhone sales, right? Well, yes and no. Yes, the introduction of the iPhone is bringing in some serious revenue, but that money isn’t necessarily coming from iPhone sales. Turns out, the iPhone AppStore is a huge hit in China.

China Unicom reportedly sold just 5,000 iPhones during its first week of sales. China Unicom Chairman Chang Xiobing says he’s satisfied with that number, but in a country that boasts more wireless users than there are people in the US, 5,000 units is a really small number. The silver lining, though, is that the introduction of the Chinese iPhone opened the doors to the AppStore. iPhone users in China have so far generated $1 million in legit iPhone app revenue from the AppStore.

It all makes sense. China Unicom’s iPhone is currently crippled. Apple disabled the WiFi radio on Chinese iPhones to comply with China’s Golden Shield Project. Considering that gray-market iPhones with fully functional WiFi radios are readily available in China, it’s not surprising to hear that China Unicom’s iPhones aren’t blockbuster hits. The flip-side is that there are an estimated 2 million iPhones roaming across China, most of them coming through unofficial channels. All those iPhones are likely driving users to embrace the AppStore. China Unicom also hopes to have a WiFi-capable iPhone available by the end of the year, which could boost AppStore revenue even further.

Still, things may not be all rainbows and happy faces for Apple’s Chinese AppStore revenue. iPhone app piracy is a significant threat to Apple’s bottom line, and could come back to bite Apple. It’s unclear just how much of the $1 million in iPhone app sales came from users looking to download an app with the intention of pirating the software, but it would be interesting to see how China’s pirated app ecosystem compares to the legit AppStore market.

Sony Ericsson’s mobile diet: Close four facilities, cut 2,000 jobs

Sony Ericsson has a new plan to whip itself back into shape to compete with leaner and meaner mobile phone makers. The Japanese-Swedish joint venture is planning to close four facilities and cut some 2.000 jobs in an effort to streamline the company. Following a recent round of job cuts that left 450 employees at its Research Triangle Park R&D facility without work, Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) has announced that it will be closing the RTP facility and cutting additional jobs around the world.

Sony Ericsson will close the doors to its RTP headquarters by the third quarter of 2010. The SE North American headquarters will move from RTP to Atlanta, with the R&D operations relocating to Redwood Shores, California. A facility in Miami, Florida will also be permanently close, alongside facilities in Kista, Sweden and Chennai, India. Sony Ericsson says that severance packages will be included, with some lucky employees getting a chance to apply for jobs in California or Atlanta.

The cellphone maker boasts 4.9% of the global mobile phone market, making it the No. 4 handset maker in the world. When it comes to smartphone market share, which we care about more than overall market share, Sony Ericsson isn’t really a big player. But, with leaned-out operations and attractive new handsets, like the Android-powered XPERIA X10, coming down the pipe, Sony Ericsson looks poised to make a big splash in the smartphone space in 2010.

Cricket Wireless revamps its website

Again we bring you the story involving a smaller carrier – Cricket Wireless. They have launched a re-designed website to “better serve both customers shopping online and those looking to learn more about Cricket.”

In addition to improved look and feel, the new website features:

• A streamlined shopping process that makes online purchases easier and faster.
• A new “Learn” section with information on products, plans and services.
• A new “Community” section that highlights Cricket’s involvement in communities across the country, as well as a special search function to find out where Cricket will be showing up at various local events.

If you’re looking to switch carriers, make sure to check out Cricket. Their website is located at mycricket.com…

Harry Potter gets the official iPhone app

Warner Bros has launched its first Harry Potter app in the AppStore – Harry Potter Spells, which lets players cast spells at their opponents using hand gestures. There is a total of 14 different spells available, and you can either play for yourself, or against a friend — all from a single device.

Right from the start, you’re invited to join the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and visit Ollivanders’ shop to pick up your wand. Afterwards, you attend the classes to learn how to cast spells, end eventually you’re ready for duels.

Finally, it’s worth adding there’s the Facebook integration, allowing you to post your scores on Facebook. The price is $4.99 and the AppStore link is here…

Helix Wind to power-up cell phone towers in Southern California

Helix Wind, the company which we’ve already mentioned in the past, will trial its cell tower-powering wind turbines in Southern California. Installation will occur in early 2010, and the test will run for three months.

In addition to providing power to the cell phone towers, Helix will also test whether it’s feasible to sell excess power to the power grid under a power purchase agreement.

The company is working on the project in association with Core Communications Group-owned Vertical Green.

Finally, Helix points out that due the fact that the number of cell phone towers is expected to grow in the next five years, they will be carefully watching the market and look for the opportunity to sell as many wind turbines as demanded…

Telenor to buy Pakistan’s Warid Telecom?

It is being reported that Telenor is mulling acquisition of Pakistan’s Warid Telecom for around $1.3 billion. If this proves true and Norway-based company succeeds, it will leave the Dhabi Group with 7% of Warid, while other 30% will stay with Singtel.

According to Pro Pakistani, the talks went through in a smooth way, with Telenor agreeing to paying the value that was pretty acceptable for Dhabi Group.

Pakistan telecom market includes 5 big players: Moblink with just over 28 million customers, Telenor and Ufone with just under 20 million customers, Warid Telecom with around 17 million, and China Mobile (NYSE: CHL)-owned Zong with with just under 6 million customers.

And for the record, China Mobile had previously tried to buy out Warid Telecom but reportedly failed to reach an agreement on the price…

AT&T spends money making a terrible commercial insulting Verizon rather than improving their network

AT&T made the commercial below to get back at Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless for airing commercials that point out AT&T’s lacking 3G coverage. Not only is AT&T’s commercial stupid, but the money they spent hiring some actor who has a rather familiar face, sadly his name escapes me at the moment, plus production costs, could have instead been poured into something more useful such as improving the actual network Verizon is mocking. Don’t forget to add the court fees as well. AT&T is acting like a silly little teenage bitch, almost as bad as that (ultra potty word removed) from “My Super Sweet 16″ who said her mother ruined her life by buying her a Lexus.

MiKE Throws Down $50 Rebate on Select Motorola Devices

TELUS (NYSE: TU)’ MiKE network is currently running a promotion that will be of interest to anyone looking for a new Motorola (NYSE: MOT) iDen device. From now ’till December 31st, you can save $50 on the Motorola i9, i365, i365is, Clutch i465, i576 and i580.

The rebate form itself is quite specific. Make sure you use black or blue ink and scribe CAPITAL LETTERS only now! Also, include your original store-identified sales receipt with the purchase price circled. After that, give me 5 laps, 20 push-ups and hit the showers.

Sheesh. More over at MiKE.

BeamReader PDF Viewer Available for Android

It’s been in the works for awhile, but the BeamReader PDF viewing app fro Android is now ripe for the downloading. BeamReader boasts native font rendering, text search, and no requirement for network connection to handle document processing. On top of PDFs, BeamReader can handle TIFF, JPG, PNG, BMP, and GIF image files, as well as compressed ZIP arhives. For a free app, that’s pretty dang useful. Documents to Go is still a big name in the Android Market (they even scored a preload deal on the T-Mobile Pulse), but PDF viewing in particular is locked away in the premium version. For more info on BeamReader for Android, hit up SLG, or go ahead and find the app in the on-device Market.

Brief: Microsoft accidently leaks a screenshot of Windows Mobile 7

Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) announced Office Mobile 2010 Beta today, which we’ll cover in a later post, and on their very own “Top Ten Benefits of Office Mobile 2010” page they’ve accidently included the screenshot you see above. The design language matches the leaks we saw last month. Apologies for enlarging the image, but the original was only 174 x 227 pixels.

eXpansys Friday Deals: 20th November

For all our readers in the UK, eXpansys have been busy cooking up some news deals to tempt you in your hour of need for gadget-related goodness:

Acer beTouch E200 Windows Mobile 6.5

Normally £249.99 Now £219.99 Save £15

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=188960&partner=uknews

Acer beTouch E100 Windows Mobile 6.5

Normally £234.99 Now £219.99 Save £15

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=188962&partner=uknews

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) 6700 Classic Silver

Normally £209.99 Now £194.99 Save £15

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=178270&partner=uknews

GMAX 2-Bay Alloy Desktop Hard Drive Enclosure Normally £39.99 Now £34.99 Save £5

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=189769&partner=uknews

Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 3G HSDPA 3.6/7.2 Mbps ExpressCard Normally £49.99 Now £29.99 Save £20

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=190396&partner=uknews

B-Stock Palm (NSDQ: PALM) m500 PDA + Accessory Pack Normally £34.99 Now £24.99 Save £10

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=191498&partner=uknews

Chilly the Singing and Dancing Polar Bear Normally £7.99 Now £4.99 Save £3

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=176849&partner=uknews

Premier Systems Keyring Breathalyser

Normally £4.99 Now £1.99 Save £3

http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=176853&partner=uknews

• Acer beTouch E200 Windows Mobile 6.5 - Normally £249.99 Now £219.99 Save £15
• Acer beTouch E100 Windows Mobile 6.5 - Normally £234.99 Now £219.99 Save £15
• Nokia 6700 Classic Silver - Normally £209.99 Now £194.99 Save £15
• GMAX 2-Bay Alloy Desktop Hard Drive Enclosure – Normally £39.99 Now £34.99 Save £5
• Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 3G HSDPA 3.6/7.2 Mbps ExpressCard – Normally £49.99 Now £29.99 Save £20
• B-Stock Palm m500 PDA + Accessory Pack – Normally £34.99 Now £24.99 Save £10
• Chilly the Singing and Dancing Polar Bear – Normally £7.99 Now £4.99 Save £3
• Premier Systems Keyring Breathalyser - Normally £4.99 Now £1.99 Save £3

Personally, I am liking the look of the HSDPA ExpressCard – I’ve been trying to find a use for my ExpressCard port on the Mac – seems like this might be it!

These deals are available on Friday the 20th of November 2009 between 11am and 5pm by following the links above only. Normal pricing will apply outside of these hours.

Motorola Motus rumored to sport reverse keyboard and backside touchpad?

The metaphorical ink on the just-leaked Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Motus spy pic hasn’t yet dried and were already hearing rumors that the Android handset will sport some really unique features. If you thought the form factor was a bit odd, you’re going to want to sit down for this. Word has it that the Moto Motus will feature a “reverse flip keyboard,” and (as if that isn’t crazy enough) something called a “rear directional touchpad.” Of course, the Motus is also rumored to be packing the usual assortment of smartphone features.

All this is completely unconfirmed at the moment, butAndroid And Me are saying that the Motus will feature a 3.1-inch touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera (with LED flash), 3G data, WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth 2.0. Android 1.5 OS should be running the show with Motorola’s social network-savvy Motoblur UI skinned atop. As for the geeky specs, were expecting a 528 MHz Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM) MSM7201A CPU, 512 MB ROM / 256 MB RAM, quad band (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM radio, and a never-been-done-before quintuple (yes, thats five bands) WCDMA radio pulling down 3G service on the 850Mhz, 900Mhz, 1700Mhz, 1900Mhz, and 2100Mhz bands! For those of you keeping score, that would mean the Motus can hop on any 3G network in the world (even T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) USAs wonky 1700Mhz 3G network) and work as the mobile gods intended.

The “reverse flip keyboard” kinda, sorta, makes sense, given the quirky looking keyboard in the spy pic. That “rear directional touchpad,” however, is just plain confusing. A touchpad on the backside of the touchscreen? Your guess is as good as ours. Whatever it turns out to be, we’re hoping it changes the way we think about interacting with touchscreens.

Rhomobile adds Android 2.0 support to its Rhodes smartphone app framework

Rhomobile announced that its Rhodes smartphone app framework now supports Android 2.0, allowing interested companies to utilize their HTML and Ruby skills and create native applications for the Android platform. As a result, using the company’s RhoHub, development costs can be reduced by up to five times.

Among the RhoHub features we highlight:

• Support for multiple platforms — including iPhone, BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM), Windows Mobile, Symbian and Android
• Developers can write apps in HTML and simultaneously build for all smartphones
• Generate UIs and sync source adapters from a high level object description
• Collaborate with other users by sharing projects
• Hosting of synchronization server for backend app integration and availability of offline data

As for the availability information, RhoHub comes in three “flavors”: the Free tier is for public apps with 3-runtime users and 50MB disk space; the Basic service allows for 3 private apps, 3 private collaborators with 100-runtime users and 2GB disk space; and RhoHub’s Premium service which offers 100 private apps, 100 private collaborators with 1000-runtime users and 20GB disk space… Additional information is available from Rhomobile’s website.

Mobile Marketing definition updated by MMA

The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) announced a significant revision to the definition of Mobile Marketing. The new definition is:

Mobile Marketing is a set of practices that enables organizations to communicate and engage with their audience in an interactive and relevant manner through any mobile device or network.

Where:

• The “set of practices” includes “activities, institutions, processes, industry players, standards, advertising and media, direct response, promotions, relationship management, CRM, customer services, loyalty, social marketing, and all the many faces and facets of marketing.”
• To “engage” means to “start relationships, acquire, generate activity, stimulate social interaction with organization and community members, (and) be present at time of consumers expressed need.” Furthermore, engagement can be initiated by the consumer (”Pull” in form of a click or response) or by the marketer (”Push”).

According to MMA’s President and CEO, Mike Wehrs, the new definition more accurately reflects the evolved nature and current capabilities of Mobile Marketing…

Oberthur Technologies shows visual voicemail service using a multimedia SIM card

Just when we talked about Oberthur’s EcoSIM card, the company announced that it has demoed a visual voicemail service running on their Multimedia SIM Card GIGANTIC WUAOW during the CARTES & Identification 2009 exhibition in Paris. Oberthur’s “partner in crime” is Spanish Telefonica (NYSE: TEF), which will undoubtedly sell the service as soon as all trials are completed. Moreover, we’ve no doubts other carriers will jump on board, selling visual voicemail to all the feature phone-ownin’ (no smartphone is needed, as far as I’ve understood) folks out there. A new revenue stream for the carriers has emerged, and I bet they won’t miss it.

GSMA launches Green Manifesto to outline how the mobile industry can lower emissions

During the Mobile Asia Congress, the GSMA unveiled Mobile’s Green Manifesto, developed in collaboration with The Climate Group, to set out how the mobile industry plans to lower its greenhouse gas emissions per connection. The manifesto makes specific policy recommendations for governments and delegates attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen to realise the full potential of the role that mobile communications can take in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Through the Green Manifesto, the mobile industry outlines its goals:

• To reduce its total global greenhouse gas emissions per Connection by 40% by 2020 compared to 2009.
• To aim for carbon neutral growth, despite the fact that the number of mobile connections is set to rise by 70% to 8 billion by 2020.
• To work with handset vendors to ensure that the energy consumed by a typical handset is reduced by 40% by 2020.
• To work with equipment vendors to ensure that the life cycle emissions of network equipment components are reduced by 40% by 2020.

And if you care to read the whole thing, you can do that from this page.

Fring goes Android

I’ve no idea why it took so long for Fring to embrace Google (NSDQ: GOOG)’s mobile platform, but whatever the reasoning is, it’s good to see them jumping on board. Yap, Fring is now an Android thing, too — joining the likes of the iPhone/iPod Touch, Symbian S60, Windows Mobile, Linux (Maemo) and Java ME-enabled devices.

Just like that’s the case with other smartphone platforms, Fring for Android allows users to chat with their buddies across multiple IM networks, make free calls, post status updates, as well as make calls to mobile and land-lines using SkypeOut or some of the available SIP VoIP services — either via WiFi or 3G.

And that’s it. Simply search for “fring” in the Android Market and take it from there. And check out the introductory video after the jump.

AppStore

Chillingo keeps pumping new games to the AppStore. Their latest baby is called Ravensword: The Fallen King, and it’s probably one of the best (if not the best) RPG title for the iPhone/iPod Touch.

As you’re probably aware what RPG genre brings to the table, I’ll quickly jump to the game features:

• Gameplay is a hybrid between 3D action game (FPS), adventure and RPG.
• An expansive 3D world filled with diverse locations and an array of characters.
• Enemies include Orcs, Trolls, Ogres and Demons.
• Along the way you will be able to pick different weapons, items, and magical runes.
• You can play either in first or third-person perspective.
• Spatial 3D audio includes footsteps of creatures as they creep up next to you.
• Additional features include horse riding, shoot practicing, and animal hunting in the forest.
• Secret areas, monsters, and treasures keep hard-core RPG fans playing long after they’ve completed the main storyline.

I told you it rocks. AppStore link is here and the price is $6.99.

Motorola Crush touchscreen phone heading to US Cellular

Motorola (NYSE: MOT) announced a new all-touchscreen phone called Crush. The device is a mid-ranger with power and lock keys unusually placed above a 2.8-inch 240×400 pixels display — a fact that gives Crush a somewhat interesting look. Rest of the specs include a 3G radio (EV-DO Rev. 0), 2-megapixel camera, media player, Bluetooth, 950 mAh battery, and of course a microSD memory card slot.

No details on pricing except that the Crush will be affordable, and that it will hit US Cellular before the end of this year…

Kyocera unveils 3 new phones for the U.S. market: SCP-6760 Incognito, S2300 Torino and S1310 Domino

Kyocera (NYSE: KYO) announced three new phones for the U.S. market, with two of them targeting heavy texters. From left to right, they are:

• SCP-6760 Incognito – it’s actually a Sanyo (OTCPK: SANYY)-branded sideways clamshell that combines a touchscreen (2.6-inch QVGA) with full QWERTY keyboard. In addition, there’s the so called “glow-thru” keypad and OLED secondary display, as well as 3G radio, Bluetooth2.0, 2-megapixel camera, threaded messaging support, and microSD memory card slot. Sprint (NYSE: S) has picked up the Incognito and will start offering it on November 30th.
• S2300 Torino – another QWERTY phone, this time in candybar form. Specs include a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, threaded messaging, speakerphone, and 1xRTT data. It should be available in February 2010.
• S1310 Domino – basic candybar with tri-band CDMA radio, 1xRTT data, Bluetooth, WAP browser, speakerphone. Should be available in December.

And that’s it from Kyocera. Nothing high-end-ish, just something for the mass market.

Amazon offering AT&T’s HTC PURE for $0.01

AT&T’s own on-contract pricing for their HTC PURE (AT&T (NYSE: T)’s branded Touch Diamond2) wasn’t too bad, but it’s got nothing on Amazon’s asking price. Amazon is now offering the just-launched AT&T PURE for just a penny, when purchased with a new 2-year contract through AT&T. Leave it to Amazon to undercut AT&T on a spanking brand-new Windows Phone.

What can you expect for your penny? Expect to get a 3.2-inch WVGA resistive touchscreen, GPS, WiFi, 3G data, Bluetooth, 5-megapixel (autofocus) camera and microSD card slot with your penny’s worth of PURE. Of course, with Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional already installed, the new PURE is noticeably more usable and responsive than the Touch Diamond2 with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional installed. The WM6.5 update makes a significant difference.

Find the 1¢ HTC PURE here. Remember, you’re going to have to sign your life away for a couple year of AT&T-servitude to get the price. Or, as msmobiles puts it, “24 months of misery.”

Acer’s beTouch and neoTouch smarphones officially announced

We told you about Acer’s renaming scheme and it’s happening now. The computer maker turned smartphone manufacturer has officially unveiled its Windows Mobile 6.5 lineup, consisting of two series of devices – beTouch and neoTouch.

beTouch are more affordable handsets and at the moment there are three models in the series – E100, E101 and E200. On the other end, neoTouch only has a single “member” at the moment and it’s the Snapdragon-powered S200 aka F1.

Detailed specs were not unveiled, and the same goes for exact prices. We do, however, know these babies will sell from £159 to £295 ($259 to $481) at retail, unlocked. If some carrier jumps in, expect the pricing to go further down. And yes, we’ll be watching for carrier partner announcements, have no doubts about it…

Windows Mobile 6.5 still a work in progress, WM6.5.1 update brings more changes

The screenshots show the “Start” button has moved from the top row of the screen (the task bar) to the bottom of the screen. The task bar is now dedicated to displaying tasks, notifications and settings – all accessible with a tap of the finger.

For those of you paying attention, the new button layout meshes nicely with the new Internet Explorer Mobile’s interface (which we briefly show in this hands-on video), which lines the bottom of the display with navigation buttons. The buttons also get a refresh with a more modern look and a bump in size for easier finger input.

Is Microsoft looking to bring the Windows Mobile 6.5 UI more in line with their Windows Mobile 7 design philosophy in order to make the transition to WM7 as smooth as possible? Or does Microsoft really have no idea what they’re doing and hoping to somehow pull a miraculously enjoyable Windows Mobile 7 out of the proverbial air?

Whatever the case, Windows Mobile 6.5 shouldn’t have launched until it was really ready to launch.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 clears the FCC

Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE)’s Xperia X2 has been cleared by the FCC. Unfortunately for those in the U.S. who look forward to grab one, this is not the U.S.-centric device. It lacks a 3G radio that sings on either AT&T (NYSE: T)’s or T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) USA’s 3G network. So we’re wondering why the Swedish-Japanese handset maker went through the hassle of approving the device which no one will buy. Maybe they’re counting on Europeans/Asians visiting America. Though there are quite a few people doing so, it’s not the market to count on.

Anyway, I assume the “ready for U.S. soil” version will also find its way to the FCC in no time, when hopefully, a carrier partner will also be announced…

HTC HD2 caught multi-touching itself on camera

Bet you didn’t know the HTC HD2 supported multi-touch in its Internet Explorer Mobile web browser. Well, consider yourself officially put on notice. The HD2 you see in this here video shows the gorgeously slim, yet incredibly well endowed, getting all multi-touchy with pinch-and-stretch zooming on its 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen!

The multi-touch feature seems to be slightly laggy in the video. It’s not clear if the lag issues will be fixed as HTC puts its finishing touches on the HD2 prior to launch. Still, even with buggy multi-touch, the HD2 is high on our wishlist. We had a chance to put hands on the HD2 earlier this month, and we can say that the HD2 is worth putting up with Windows Mobile 6.5 and a slightly quirky multi-touch browsing feature. With a little luck, we’ll see the HTC

Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 gets a Windows Mobile 6.5 update

In case you’re one of not-that-many people who own the Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20, here’s a piece of good news for you. The company (or that’s two companies) released the official Windows Mobile 6.5 updated for your navigation-friendly device.

The update is already available in some countries whereas others will get it by the end of the year. We strongly suggest you to visit Garmin-Asus’ website and search for the latest firmware. Prior to pushing any “Update” buttons, make sure to backup your data. Once that is cleared, get set for the revamped UI that comes with latest version of Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT)’s mobile OS, along with improved Pocket Internet Explorer, and access to Microsoft MyPhone and Windows Marketplace.

As a reminder, the nuvifone M20 comes with a VGA touchscreen, HSDPA connectivity, GPS, WiFi, 3.2-megapixel camera, and so on.

Palm App Catalog now counts 300 titles

Palm (NSDQ: PALM) seems to struggle to get developers on board. The idea would be to sell the Pre and Pixi in more countries and engage the worldwide developer base, as the current strategy doesn’t seem to work. Their App Catalog now counts 300 titles, which is very, very poor. To be fair, webOS is a brand new platform and I guess it’s fair to give Palm some space, but something needs to be done, nonetheless.

In comparison, Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)’s AppStore now counts 100,000 apps, whereas Google (NSDQ: GOOG)’s Android Market goes for 10,000. C’mon Palm, start selling your phones in India and China and organize some contest to get some hot spanking apps in the Catalog. We want you to succeed, honestly!

Palm Pre Coming to Mexico, November 27th on Telcel

Back in September we managed to catch the GSM’d-out Palm Pre making an appearance on Telcel in Mexico. All we’ve had up until now was a few videos showing off the Pre on Telcel… convincing? Sorta. Official? Not at all.

Today while doing my regular morning reading, I stumbled upon more Pre/Telcel news via a statement from Dave Whalen, the Senior Vice President of Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Global Sales:

“With the introduction of Palm Pre with Telcel in Mexico, we’re expanding the Palm webOS footprint into Latin America for the first time…We’re steadily increasing momentum for Palm webOS as we continue to roll out products with new carriers and countries.”

So when will the Pre arrive in Mexico? Launch date is set for November 27th. No pricing details revealed as of yet, so stay tuned for more.

Amazon offers Palm Pixi for $25

Cash-strapped webOS hopefuls and deal seekers alike, take note: Amazon is offering Sprint (NYSE: S)’s Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Pixi for just $25. The entry-level webOSsmartphone hasn’t been on market for more than a week and we’re already seeing the handset hovering dangerously close to “free with contract” territory. As it stands, Amazon will sell you the Palm Pixi for $24.99 when you purchase it with a new 2-year wireless contract through Sprint.

Remember, though, the Palm Pixi’s entry-level price comes with compromises. The 2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen is smaller than the Palm Pre’s display. The 2-megapixel camera falls short of the Palm Pre’s 3-megapixel shooter. And, WiFi isn’t an option. Still, you get GPS, 3G data, 3.5mm headphone jack, and 8GB of onboard storage.