A couple of weeks ago Nokia slipped up and provided evidence that a Nokia N95 8GB device would be coming to North America. That rumor is now reality as Nokia announced the N95 8GB NAM that will support the 850/1900 MHz HSDPA wireless data network found on AT&T in the U.S. The N95 8GB offers an 8GB flash drive and a larger 2.8 inch QVGA display, compared to the 2.6 inch QVGA display of the N95 NAM model.
I've talked about fring a couple of times on this blog (June 07 Windows Mobile release) and still continue to use it on my S60 and Windows Mobile devices. Elen sent me a press release announcing the latest version of fring that now includes the capability to conduct file transfers from mobile to mobile or mobile to PC, enhancements to the IM interface, and a new fringME! functionality that allows people to be reached from their web page or have their location appear on a Google Map (if they have a device with integrated GPS).
I am a big fan of Bluetooth technology and am actually using a Think Outside Bluetooth keyboard to type this article on my new Fujitsu U810 Tablet PC. Blair sent me some big news from the Bluetooth SIG announcing that they are developing a new radio substitution method that will allow devices with both Bluetooth and WiFi radios to access and use both those radios for much faster data transfer rates. The new architecture is called Alternate MAC/PHY and the core specs for it are expected to be published in mid-2009.
Back in October I had the chance to check out the Palm Centro for Sprint and thought it was a very good device for the new smartphone buyer. Since that time I know several people that have purchased one and love the device. AT&T and Palm today announced the availability of the Palm Centro from AT&T. The device has the same design and specifications as the Sprint Palm Centro, but unfortunately lacks a 3G radio. It is a quad-band GSM device with support for the EDGE data network. The first model available is the Glacier white model with green highlights with an Obsidian black model becoming available in about a month. The device is available today starting at US$99.99 with 2-year service agreement and for those looking to move from a feature phone to a smartphone I think this is a decent choice available at a good price.
I've been on the lookout for an ultra portable PC that would allow me to travel light for long periods of time without plugging in and purchased a Fujitsu U810 a couple of weeks ago. It has been a great device so far and the battery life has been outstanding. Engadget posted some images and details on a possible HP UMPC device, the HP Compaq 2133 that may actually be sold for as low as US$630 in April.
T-Mobile released an update to their successful T-Mobile MDA/HTC Wizard device that has an updated sleek form factor and significantly improved keyboard. The T-Mobile Wing is a Windows Mobile 6 Professional Edition device that comes in a cool blue color.
T-Mobile may not have a 3G data network, but they are on the cutting edge with helping people ditch their home phones and use VoIP services. The latest service allows you to use your standard home cordless phone with a new T-Mobile line. The service does require a new special modem, available for US$50 with 2-year commitment.
Arne Hess has been busy digging through the FCC site and found that the LG KS20 Windows Mobile Professional device may be coming to the US in 2008. I saw the LG KS20 at Mobius a couple of weeks ago and thought it had a great form factor for a touch-screen device. According to the FCC details GSM/EDGE at the 850 and 1900 MHz frequencies are supported, but there were no specifics on UMTS or HSDPA. It does have Bluetooth and WiFi as well. These wireless options makes me wonder if this could be the next device in the T-Mobile Shadow lineup.
Nokia may not be quite as good as Apple at keeping upcoming devices quiet, but they are very careful about leaking news. It seems that Devin from The Nokia Guide site discovered that the N95 8GB NAM (North American model with 3G support for U.S. networks) and N82 8GB may be coming soon. He was browsing the web and visited one of the Nokia pre-installed bookmarks where he discovered these two device names in the list of supported devices.
I stopped by the Xohm (pronounced Zome) booth today at CES 2008 to try to get some answers on the roll-out of WiMAX in the U.S. While I think people understand the concept of WiMAX (wide-area WiFi) it seems with all the news of Sprint and Clearwire's decision to not move forward with a nationwide network many were left wondering if WiMAX was really going to happen and when. After talking with Xohm representatives and hearing the latest from Chief Technology Officer Barry West, Sprint Nextel, we will see WiMAX available commercially before the summer of this year.