According to AppleInsider sources, Apple is hard at work at delivering a “full-on solution” for multitasking support on the iPhone. Although the OS natively supports preemptive multitasking, Apple has restricted third party applications from running in the background – allowing only one third party application to run at a time (although several Apple developed applications do run in the background such as Phone, SMS, email, iPod etc).

Unfortunately details on how Apple will deliver multitasking support aren’t clear at this time. About the only thing we do know is the company plans on introducing a new user interface for managing simultaneous running applications.

There are certainly many unanswered questions when it comes to allowing third party applications to run in the background including:

• How will applications communicate to one another
• How will users know multiple apps are running in the background?
• How will battery performance fare?
• How will system performance fare?
• What will this do to the platform’s security model?

Read more about this over at AppleInsider.com (via Digital Trends)

Technorati Tags: Apple, iPhone OS 4.0, multi-tasking

If you’re looking for an alternative way of charging that iPhone or iPod touch of yours, you might want to check out the environmentally-friendly (a.k.a. “green”) Novothink Surge solarcharger series of cases.

The Surge is labeled as a “hybrid solar charger” since it’s capable of charging the iPhone or iPod touch while you’re on the go and in the sun or while its connected to your computer via a USB connection. Even better – the Surge comes with a built-in rechargeable battery providing additional juice to your iPhone or iPod when you’re not in the Sun or near a PC/outlet.

And while you might think a solar power-based charger might be bulky, the Surge is in fact reasonably dimensioned. The iPod touch version measures 2.65 x 0.75 x 4.875 inches while the iPhone version measures 2.65 x 0.875 x 4.875 inches. Yes – your device will be a tad bit thicker but you get the convenience of charging under the sun!

Speaking of convenience, Novothink also has a free application (The Solar Planner App) which tries to estimate your solar needs based on your device usage patterns. Pretty nifty.

Other features and specs include:

• Full access to the touch-screen display
• Cutout for attaching a wrist strip or trinket etc
• Soft-touch non-slip finish
• LED status light indicators
• Integrated rechargeable 1500mAh 3.7 V lithium-ion polymer battery offers 120% capacity of iPod touch (1320 mAh 3.7 V battery for the iPhone version providing 105% capacity of the iPhone)
• Built-in 30 pin dock connector

The Surge for the iPhone is available in either black or white, with additional colors coming soon. The Surge for the iPod touch is currently only available in black.

Price wise, the Surge for the iPod touch is currently on sale for $52.95 (normally $69.96). The Surge for the iPhone is currently available for $79.95.

Here are pics of the Surge for the iPhone:

Here are pics of the Surge for the iPod touch:

[Check out the Surge for the iPod touch]

[Check out the Surge for the iPhone]

via ChipChick

Technorati Tags: Novothink Surge, iPod touch case, iPhone case, Solar-charging case

Man it seems like the only thing we’re writing about right now are Samsung products. I promise – that’s ending.. BUT before we end, one more product for you to check out – it’s the new Samsung Stunt SCH-R100 mobile handset coming out for Cricket Communications.

The Stunt is a candy bar handset featuring:

• 1.7 inch 128 x 160 65K color display
• Support for email and IM messaging options
• Bluetooth
• aGPS support
• Apps including Calendar, Scheduler, To-Do list, Clock, Alarm, Converter, Calculator, memo book, and stop watch
• Speakerphone
• Voice recognition
• Measures 4.2 x 1.7 x 0.54 inches
• 3.3 hour talk time and 200 hour standby time

The Stunt is available for $99.99 at Cricket retail stores, dealers, and at mycricket.com.

OK.. that’s it! No more Samsung.. for a few postings hopefully.

Technorati Tags: Cricket Communications, Samsung Stunt SCH-R100

The Samsung Freeform SCH-r351 messaging handset is now available at U.S. Cellular for $19.95 after a new two-year agreement (which provides a discount of $90 dollars), and a mail-in rebate of $50 dollars. The SCH-r351 features a four-row QWERTY keyboard, navigation keys/shortcut bar, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and a 2.2 inch QCIF resolution display. Other specs include:

• Built-in MP3 player with support for playlists
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• One-touch speakerphone
• Support for SMS, MMS, and Threaded Text Messaging
• CDMA 800MhMHz/PCS 1900 MHz
• Measures 2.4 x 4.42 x 0.50 inches
• Weighs 3.63 oz
• Talk time of 6 hours
• Standby time of 300 hours

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: U.S. Cellular, Samsung Freeform SCH-r351

Here’s an interesting story on the mobile front. Although Microsoft has made much hoopla over the upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series, it hasn’t said a peep about the rumored Project Pink handsets. Now, according to Gizmodo, Project Pink is indeed coming and Verizon Wireless will be the first carrier to release handsets based on it.

Thanks to a tipster, Gizmodo received a ton of third party marketing material laying out the promotional plan for Pink. There will be two handsets coming out in the late April time frame – a vertical slider and a horizontal slider. Yes that means these are indeed messenger-oriented handsets.

Verizon appears to be at least the launch partner if not the exclusive provider for the new handsets. Social networking appears to be another key feature of this handset. As for apps – that’s a maybe?

No one is exactly sure since it appears these Project Pink handsets are NOT Windows Phone 7 handsets.. soo if they’re not, what the heck are they? Should be interesting to see over the coming months.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, Project Pink

Above is the new novero TheTalkyOne – a slim and minimally-designed Bluetooth speakerphone ideally designed for a variety of environments including the car, at home, or in the office.

TheTalkyOne utilizes a single-touch button to manage phone calls and music playback. Features include:

• One large illuminated button which controls everything – from taking phone calls to adjusting the volume
• Text to speech functionality allows it to read text messages, and if supported by your phone, announce names of callers
• Multipoint technology allowing two phones to connect
• Noise reduction, Echo cancellation, and a built-in DSP for clear sound
• Turns off automatically ten minutes after your phone disconnects
• Online software updates applicable via USB port
• 180 hour standby time and 15 hour use time

TheTalkyOne is priced at $139 and is available at various retailers.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: novero, novero TheTalkyOne Bluetooth Speakerphone

OK so we’re not talking about the opening shots to the American Revolutionary War here but rather the opening salvo to what could become an all-out war between many companies involving the all-important smartphone industry.

So what exactly happened you ask? Well here are the facts.

Apple filed a lawsuit today against HTC for infringing upon twenty hardware and software patents involving the Apple iPhone. The lawsuit, which was filed at both the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and the U.S. District Court of Delaware, has Apple seeking to prohibit HTC from selling, marketing, or distributing infringing products in the U.S.

What are the offending products?

The Google Nexus One, HTC Dream, HTC Hero, and HTC myTouch.

Wait.. aren’t they…

Yup. They are all Android-powered handsets.

So does that mean???

Nope.. Google was not named in the suit but they did have to say (via a spokeswoman today: “we stand behind our Android operating system and the partners who have helped us to develop it.”

Wow.. so what exactly did HTC supposedly infringe upon?

No exact details at this time but here’s what we know courtesy of a Reuters article. Apple claims HTC infringed “on a number of Apple’s patents, some dating back to the mid-1990s. They cover user interface processes and other software and hardware components.”

Wait – if Apple filed a lawsuit against HTC over Android-powered handsets; why haven’t they filed ones against other hardware manufacturers? What about Google?

The popular theory thus far is – it’s easier to go after a small company like HTC than someone like Samsung or Google. MKM Partners analyst Tero Kuittinen had this to say: “HTC is an optimal target for Apple — it’s a relatively small vendor with a weak brand. It may be easier to push around than Samsung.”

But make no mistake about it. This lawsuit is big. It’s a certainly a sign of things to come. Should Apple ultimately prevail in this lawsuit, you can bet the company will go after other players in the Android smartphone market – or even the larger smartphone market as a whole.

Of course who can say Apple won’t go ahead and file lawsuits against other handset manufacturers right now? Perhaps HTC is merely the first target in a laundry list of targets including Samsung, Motorola, and others.

Perhaps even more importantly for Apple – this lawsuit serves as a threat to others. “Enter the Android smartphone market at your own risk. Create a phone that looks and acts like ours and you risk our wrath.”

Yes.. the shot heard round the world..

For even more interesting discussions on this topic – check out this NYTimes article entitled “What Apple vs. HTC Could Mean”

Technorati Tags: Apple, HTC, Google, Google Nexus One, HTC Dream, HTC Hero, HTC myTouch, Android smartphone

Soon you’ll be able to Skype your friends and family from the comfort of your couch. Samsung and Skype have announced that Skype software will be embedded in Samsung’s new lineup of LED 7000 and 8000 Series of 2010 HDTV sets.

With Skype software installed, users will be able to make video and voice calls using their television sets. The new sets with Skype software will start shipping in Korea today and worldwide during the first half of this year.

The Samsung LED 7000 and 8000 series HDTV sets feature Samsung’s free Internet@TV service which allows users to access applications and online content. Owners who want video for their Skype calls can easily attach a FREETALK TV Camera for the TV set available at www.skype.com/store (the camera is due out in March).

Control of all the Skype features can be performed using the Samsung remote control. As always, Skype to Skype calls will be free while Skype to landline and mobile phones will cost a small nominal fee.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Skype, Samsung LED 7000, Samsung LED 8000

The updated program allows new and existing customers to turn in up to three eligible wireless devices per active line of service for instant point-of-sale credit.

There are currently over 900 wireless devices that are eligible for instant credit from Sprint with credits ranging from approximately $5 dollars to upwards of $300 dollars depending on the make and model of the device. You can see the list of eligible devices over at https://secure.sprintbuyback.com/rbb/eligible_phones.php

Sprint customers can simply head to sprintbuyback.com to find out information about the terms and conditions, determine device eligibility for credit, estimate  current market value, download free postage-paid labels, and access guidelines for deleting personal data prior to mailing-in the device.

Technorati Tags: Sprint Buyback, Wireless Recycling

The LG ARENA will be available online for AT&T customers starting on February 26th and in AT&T stores nationwide starting on March 7th. The ARENA measures a half-inch thin and features:

• 3 inch touch-screen display
• 5.0 megapixel autofocus camera
• Support for 7.2 HSPA 3G connectivity
• 3D S-Class User Interface
• AT&T Mobile TV capable
• AT&T Mobile Browser for full HTML browsing
• Support for AT&T Navigator for turn-by-turn voice and onscreen directions, automatic rerouting, and real-time traffic monitoring, etc.
• AT&T Social Net for easy access to various social-networking sites

The LG ARENA will be available for $199.99 after a $50 dollar AT&T Promotion Card and a new two year agreement.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: AT&T, LG, LG ARENA

Aava Mobile launched a new smartphone reference design based around the new Intel Moorestown SoC platform while also providing support for Linux-based Moblin 2.1 and Android operating systems. The company also announced plans to support the newly announced MeeGo OS which is a merger of Nokia’s Maemo platform with Intel’s Moblin platform.

According to Aava Mobile, the new platform addresses the customer’s needs of more powerful platforms that offer all-day battery life. Features and specs of the platform include:

• Extended touch-screen with haptics feedback
• Full HD video capability
• micro USB OTG support
• HD video conferencing support via front-facing camera with facial and gesture recognition via software
• 2 microphones for echo cancellation
• 3D user interface and 3D sound for high-end gaming
• Support for GSM mobile networks
• Accelerometer
• 3D compass
• Built-in GPS
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Devices based on the reference design will measure 64 x 125 x 11.7 mm – making them the world’s thinnest x86 based smartphone devices out there.

Aava Mobile’s reference design will allow OEM/ODM’s and carriers to quickly customize the platform and bring their own branded device to the market in a quick and cost-effective manner.

[Check it out]

[Check out the company website]

Technorati Tags: Aava Mobile

• Barnes & Noble eReader application delivering eBooks, newspapers, magazines, and your Barnes & Nobile digital library
• BLOCKBUSTER On Demand video download application allows customers to buy a movie on one device and watch on another connected device
• MobiTV providing access to live and on-demand TV including MTV, NBC, Comedy Central, ESPN, etc. The first 30 days of service will be free once HD2 customers subscribe to MobiTV
• “Transformers” and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” pre-loaded on the device’s memory card
• Gogo Inflight Internet service with six months of free in-flight Wi-Fi access on the HD2

Just in case you forgot, some of the features of the HTC HD2 include:

• 4.3 inch capacitive touch display
• 1GHz Snapdragon processor
• 1st Windows Phone with HTC Sense
• Windows Mobile 6.5 OS
• GPS support with turn-by-turn navigation from TeleNav
• Web browser
• Pre-installed 16GB microSD card
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED flash

The HTC HD2 is exclusive to T-Mobile in the U.S. and is expected this spring.

[Check it out]

[Press release]

Technorati Tags: T-Mobile, HTC HD2, Windows Mobile Smartphone

Called Skype mobile, the solution allows Verizon Wireless 3G smartphone customers with data plans to make and receive unlimited Skype to Skype voice calls to practically any Skype user around the globe. Other features include:

• Calling international phone #’s at Skype Out calling rates
• Skype IM support
• Remain always-connected

Some of the Verizon Wireless smartphones featuring support for Skype mobile include BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour 9630 smartphones, as well as DROID by Motorola, DROID ERIS by HTC and Motorola DEVOUR.

Make sure to check out http://phones.verizonwireless.com/skypemobile/ for more information about Skype mobile.

Technorati Tags: Verizon Wireless, Skype, Skype Mobile

Motorola brings MOTOBLUR to Verizon Wireless with today’s announcement of the upcoming availability of the Motorola DEVOUR Android handset in March. In case you’re not familiar with MOTOBLUR, it’s Motorola’s unique content delivery service bringing together contacts, personal email, status updates from social networking sites, photos, and more into easily managed streams on the home screen.

Features and specs to the Motorola DEVOUR include:

• Touch-sensitive navigation pad
• 3.1 inch capacitive touch-screen display
• Pre-loaded apps including Gmail, Google Talk, YouTube, Google Search, and Google Maps with Google Maps Navigation
• Access to Android marketplace
• “Happenings Widget” – MOTOBLUR automatically pushes status updates, wall posts, and photo updates from social networking sites to the Happenings Widget. Users flick through updates and send out replies
• Universal inbox for texts, social networking messages, and emails
• Backup data to secure MOTOBLUR portal. Portal also allows users to use the built-in aGPS to help locate the phone if its misplaced. Remote Wipe feature clears information on the handset if it’s deemed lost
• 8 GB microSD card pre-installed
• Bluetooth with support for A2DP, HID, HSP, HFP, AVRCP and GAP profiles

No word on pricing as of yet.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Motorola DEVOUR, Verizon Wireless, Android smartphone, MOTOBLUR

Sanjay Jha, Motorola’s co-CEO, confirmed on a conference call with analysts yesterday that the company was planning to release 20 smartphones this year including “one direct-to-consumer device with Google.”

According to EnterpriseMobilityToday.com, a Google spokesperson confirmed that a Motorola phone was indeed planned but declined to offer additional details.

The announcement of the Motorola Google Phone was a small bright spot for Motorola as it announced that fourth quarter revenue dropped 20 percent year over year to $5.7 billion. Mobile phone sales dropped even further, down 22 percent to $1.8 billion.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Motorola Google Phone

The Impact Series features a durable, single layer of shock absorbing silicone that wraps securely around the device. The case also comes with a self-adhering screen protector and microfiber cleaning cloth. New models supported include:

• HTC Ozone
• LG Arena KM900
• LG Versa
• Nokia E63
• Nokia E71
• Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
• HP iPAQ Voice Messenger
• Samsung Instinct s30
• Palm Treo Pro

The Commuter Series is basically a combination of the Impact Series and the Defender Series, offering the slender design of the Impact Series with the rugged protection of the Defender Series. You’ll also get a self-adhering screen protector and microfiber cleaning cloth with the Commuter Series. New models supported include:

• HTC Ozone
• HTC myTouch
• LG Arena
• LG Versa
• Nokia E63
• Nokia E71
• Nokia E72
• Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
• Nokia N97
• Nokia N97 mini
• HP iPAQ Glisten
• Samsung Instinct s30
• Samsung OMNIA II i8000

The Defender Series provides three layers of protection to handsets:  a clear thermal formed membrane, a custom molded polycarbonate shell, and a durable silicone layer. New models supported include:

• HTC P6500
• HTC Touch
• Nokia E71
• Nokia E72
• Samsung OMNIA
• Samsung OMNIA II i8000
• Palm Treo Pro
• Palm Centro

Technorati Tags: OtterBox, OtterBox Impact Series, OtterBox Commuter Series, OtterBox Defender Series

Starting tomorrow, Verizon Wireless will begin selling slotRadio+ microSD cards for a wide range of BlackBerry smartphones. These cards will feature 1000 popular songs from “top-charting Billboard artists” and will also feature 4GB of flash memory for personal storage.

There will be two versions of the slotRadio+ card – Billboard Hits featuring music hand-picked from today’s top artists in modern rock, dance and hip hop, Latin, and country, and Billboard Decades featuring songs from the 80’s, 90’s, classic rock, and oldies. 

Customers simply insert the slotRadio+ card into their smartphone and go to their browser to download and install the slotRadio+ application from http://m.slotradio.com. 

The new cards will support a wide variety of BlackBerry handsets including BlackBerry Curve 8530, BlackBerry Pearl 8130, BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230, BlackBerry Storm 9530, BlackBerry Storm2 9550, BlackBerry Tour 9630 and BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone. Each card will be available for $49.99 starting tomorrow at www.verizonwireless.com/accessories.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Verizon Wireless, slotRadio card, BlackBerry smartphone

Specs for the X6 include:

• 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics
• Dual LED flash
• 3.2 inch wide-screen capacitive touch-screen display
• Available in black, white, white with pink highlights, and white with yellow highlights
• 18 day standby time, 11.5 hour talk time, 4.5 hour video playback time, and 35 hour music playback time
• Pre-loaded games including Spore, Asphalt4, and DJ Mix Tour

The 16GB Nokia X6 will be available this quarter.

[Check it out via Boy Genius Report]

Technorati Tags: Nokia 16GB X6

The new Belkin TuneCast Auto LIVE FM transmitter is now available for purchase here in North America for a price of $79.99. What makes the TuneCast Auto LIVE different from other FM transmitters out there is the ClearScan LIVE iPhone application which is available as a free download via the iTunes Store.

The ClearScan LIVE iPhone application uses the iPhone’s GPS system and location-based user feedback to determine the best FM station to transmit over. Simply press a single button and the application will scan for the clearest frequency and best audio quality. The application also allows you to control the FM transmission and music directly on the iPhone.

Other features include:

• Compatibility with iPod touch, nano, and classic
• High contrast LCD display for easy viewing
• Two programmable preset buttons
• Charges through car’s 12 volt lighter outlet

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Belkin TuneCast Auto LIVE, FM Transmitter

Boost Mobile and Kyocera Communications announces the availability of Boost’s first ever QWERTY clamshell handset, the Sanyo Incognito, at a reduced price of $129.99.

Features of the Sanyo Incognito (model SCP6760) include the following:

• Full QWERTY keyboard with dedicated emoticon, direct-to-text and camera keys
• Glow-thru external display with touch-sensitive keypad
• 2.6 inch 320 x 240 resolution display with support for 65K colors
• 0.9 inch glow-thru sub-display
• 3G EV-DO data support
• 2 megapixel camera with VGA camcorder and digital zoom
• MMS, SMS, and IM
• Compatible with Windows Live, AOL/AIM, Yahoo!, Gmail, IMAP/POP3 accounts
• Emails are pushed to phone
• PictBridge capable
• Built-in music player supporting MIDI/QCELP/MP3/AAC/AAC+
• microSD slot
• Stereo Bluetooth support
• 2.5 mm stereo headset jack
• GPS enabled
• Speakerphone with voice-activated dialing
• Downloadable games, wallpapers, and real music ringtones
• Voicemail, caller ID, and call waiting
• 600 entry phone book
• Alarm clock, calendar, calculator, to-do list, and voice-memo recorder
• 5.1 hour talk time

You can purchase the Sanyo Incognito today for $129.99 which is $20 dollars off the original price of $149.99. You can purchase the Incognito with free shipping by going directly to www.boostmobile.com.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Boost Mobile, Sanyo Incognito SCP6760