Last week we brought you a story that the Verizon version of the Galaxy Tab would not be featuring Skype. Well thankfully it seems that is no longer the case, but rather only partially the case.

Skype will in fact be available on Verizon’s Galaxy Tab, but not over 3G. This does not come as a big surprise, given that all versions of the Galaxy Tab will be using the “direct-to-consumer” version of Skype Mobile, which is strictly Wi-Fi only.

No word yet about whether or not NFL Mobile, and V Cast video will make their way to Big Red’s Galaxy Tab, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see on that one.

Verizon’s Galaxy Tab will have Skype after all… but only for Wi-Fi

View full post on Android News, Rumours, and Updates

If there was one major feature that I was going to miss when I jumped ship from my BlackBerry 8320 to the G1, it was UMA calling. That is one feature that I just loved about my phone and really, really had a hard time letting go. Now, just as I have finished my de-tox, T-Mobile goes and does something like this…AND TOTALLY REDEEMS THEMSELVES.

The G2 will begin receiving the update starting tomorrow, 3 November, and with any luck everyone should be enjoying it by 8 November.

[via TmoNews]

View full post on Android Phone Fans

Today, AirMagnet (part of Fluke Networks) has announced the release of new versions of its AirMagnet Survey and AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer. Both products now include the new AirMagnet multi-adapter solution, which delivers enhancements to WLAN design and troubleshooting.

• AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO offers advanced WLAN roaming analysis that leverages the multi-adapter capability to allow users to monitor every client roaming event in the network. It provides details on the success and failure of client device roams and the overall impact of roaming on the client experience. It also offers a new wireless dashboard that focuses on top issues requiring immediate attention, helping to ensure maximum network security and performance.
• The AirMagnet Survey PRO (including the Planner module) allows an organization to perform simultaneous multiple surveys, reducing time and cost associated with WLAN design and deployment with active surveys, and throughput coverage mapping capability. A customized report template provides a customized WLAN report form.

AirMagnet Survey PRO (including the Planner module) and AirMagnet WiFi Analyzer PRO are now available. Each product is available at a U.S. list price of $3,995. AirMagnet recommends the use of its multi-adapter kits to enable the new functionality.

View full post on dailywireless.org

Today, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance and the Wi-Fi Alliance announced that they’ve entered into a liaison agreement to facilitate and promote the adoption of HomePlug powerline and Wi-Fi networking technologies in smart grid applications. The agreement enables cooperative efforts for joint technical review of Wi-Fi Alliance and HomePlug specifications for interoperability of smart grid applications.

Both organizations are participating members in the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP), a forum for industry stakeholders, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to participate in the ongoing coordination, harmonization of standards development for the smart grid.

The Smart Energy 2 Applications Profile (SEP 2.0) was selected last year by the U.S. Department of Energy and NIST as an initial interoperable standard for smart energy management with home area network (HAN) devices. The Wi-Fi Alliance and the HomePlug Powerline Alliance are collaborating to enable SEP 2.0 applications to operate across a diverse mix of wireless and wired networks.

View full post on dailywireless.org

The Wi-Fi Alliance today announced it has begun certifying Wi-Fi Direct products, a technology similar to Bluetooth, for device-to-device connections.

Wi-Fi Direct makes it easy for mobile phones, cameras, printers, PCs, and gaming devices to connect to each other, transfer content and share applications, without an access point, says the Alliance.

CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct products define a new way for Wi-Fi devices to connect to each other. In many cases it only requires the push of a button. Connections work at typical Wi-Fi speeds and range, are protected by WPA2-certified security protocols, and including WMM Quality of Service mechanisms.

• Atheros expects to have a full line of XSPAN multi-stream 11n and Align single-stream 11n products that are Direct CERTIFIED before the end of 2010. One innovative feature of Direct Connect, known as Direct Access Point, essentially turns a mobile phone into a hotspot by sharing its 3G/4G Internet connections with other devices.
• Broadcom today announced their BCM43224 dual-band 802.11n 2×2 MIMO PCIe half mini card has been selected for the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct test suit.

A camera with Wi-Fi Direct could communicate via Wi-Fi to a digital picture frame or printer, uploading picture data over the same range of existing Wi-Fi of about 200 yards at speeds of up to 250 Mbps, according to Wi-Fi Alliance CEO Edgar Figueroa. Only one device in a pair of devices needs to have Wi-Fi Direct software installed, and the peer-to-peer sharing can be initiated with the press of a button or input of a personal identification number (PIN), Figueroa said.

The Wi-Fi Alliance claims it delivers a better user experience than Bluetooth. Moreover, Wi-Fi is already widely included in handsets, consumer electronics, and other devices, so there is no need for an additional radio. Wi-Fi has the speed, range, and security features, while easily working in traditional Wi-Fi networks as well.

With Wi-Fi Direct, you do not need an access point or internet connection – your personal Wi-Fi network goes with you wherever you go. ComputerWorld notes that Rob Enderle, a wireless analyst at Enderle Group, said the concept of Wi-Fi Direct is not without issues.

From a security standpoint, he warned that any computer could become an access point. “If you have had problems with rogue access, oh boy, watch out…. You may need to rethink your security procedures,” Enderle said. A user with Wi-Fi Direct would need to enable the security separately and, if not, could be vulnerable.

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct device will be able to make device group connections with existing 802.11 a/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED gear. The Wi-Fi Direct certification program does not require new hardware to operate, so some vendors may offer software upgrades.

Wi-Fi Alliance member companies began implementing the standard in mid-2010, and are currently certifying products for interoperability.

Meanwhile, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group has finalized the Bluetooth 4.0 spec. Hardware supporting the standard is expected to reach the market in late 2010 or early 2011.

The Bluetooth SIG completed Bluetooth Version 4.0 this summer. Bluetooth 4.0′s main feature is a low energy mode. It uses as little as 10 percent of the energy used by Classic Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth 4.0 is expected to enable devices like:

• Fitness monitors, that record your levels, heart rate, weight and more
• Health sensors, that collect pulse, temperature, and blood glucose level, then automatically send the information to your doctor.
• Watches, that let you control wireless headsets, mobile phones, and other portable devices.

“Many PCs and smart phones have the potential to enhance their wireless features with the use of Bluetooth technology, yet we see these key features being crippled time and time again,” said Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG.

Broadcom announced that it has gained Bluetooth 4.0 certification for its system-on-a-chip solutions. The new Bluetooth 4.0 standard uses less power and costs less, while providing better range.

Bluetooth v4.0 rolls three specifications into one. Classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, and Bluetooth High Speed technology can be combined or used separately in different devices. Mobile phones and PCs, which support the widest range of uses, will utilize the full Bluetooth 4.0 package, with Classic, low energy and high speed technology running side by side.

Bluetooth, commonly used in cell phones, sends information within your own personal space, which is called your Personal Area Network or “PAN”. The most common implementations of the technology transmit voice and data at distances up to 10 meters (33 feet) using the 2.4 GHz band.

Bluetooth Version 3.0 + HS was adopted by the Bluetooth SIG on April 21, 2009. It supports theoretical data transfer speeds of up to 24 Mbit/s, though not over the Bluetooth link itself. Instead, the Bluetooth link is used for negotiation and establishment, and the high data rate traffic is carried over a colocated 802.11 link.

Other low power wireless solutions include ZigBee, based on the IEEE 802.15.4 radio standard. It integrates a mesh networking protocol. Other standards include Insteon (for connecting lighting switches and loads without extra wiring) and Z-Wave (optimized for low-overhead commands), which are often used in home automation.

These standards achieve low power by means of rapid turn-on from deep sleep, followed by a fast send and acknowledgement process. These radios can operate at 2.4GHz, 915MHz or 868MHz, although most use the 2.4GHz band. Unlike Bluetooth, the 802.15.4 standard is not normally frequency agile.

According to ABI Research, 82 million Wi-Fi-enabled portable consumer electronics, 262 million notebooks/netbooks/media tablets and 216 million Wi-Fi enabled handsets are set to ship this year. Combined, these three categories are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 26 percent from 2009 to 2014.

Cellular M2M (machine-to-machine) connections are expected to exceed 297 million in 2015. In the latest update to ABI Research’s forecasts, the 2009 forecast of about 225 million connections by 2014 has also been raised to 232.5 million.

View full post on dailywireless.org

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world with no cables?  Well Android Manager WiFi makes that dream seem more like a reality, giving you the ability to sync contacts, music, messages, photos, and much more without the use of your usb cable. It even allows  you the ability to receive messages from your phone, and respond to them from right from the comfort of your desktop.

Browsing through your sd card has never been easier. Using the windows client that is downloaded with the program, you now will have the ability to browse, and import directly to your computer  from your sd card.

If you think this program is for you, just cruise on over to Mobile Action. If your looking for a great guide to hel pyou get it all setup, check out this article on Addictive Tips.

Source: Life Hacker

View full post on AndroidSPIN | Your No.1 source for Everything Android.

WildPackets, a leading provider of network and application performance analysis solutions, and Ekahau, a leading provider of Wi-Fi planning and site survey tools, today announced a wireless analysis bundle designed to help enterprises address the complete lifecycle of wireless networking.

Ekahau provided the graphical, map-based Wi-Fi planning and optimization tools, while WildPackets provided its packet analysis technology for in-depth troubleshooting.

Ekahau Site Survey (ESS) allows automated, three-dimensional planning for Wi-Fi networks. Ekahau also brings Wi-Fi spectrum analysis to the solution with the Ekahau DBx Spectrum Analyzer, a USB device designed for monitoring Wi-Fi interference.

WildPackets’ OmniPeek Network Analyzer software offers an intuitive, easy-to-use graphical interface for rapidly monitoring, analyzing and troubleshooting wireless enterprise networks. The OmniPeek software monitors and analyzes “real world” wireless networks — multiple access points and multiple channels — and simplifies the display and analysis.

“Wireless networking continues to evolve and become more complex,” said Tony Barbagallo, vice president of marketing at WildPackets. “Enterprises deploying wireless need a single solution that addresses design, deployment, monitoring and troubleshooting of their wireless network. This joint offering will do exactly that.”

“The wireless monitoring and management systems from Wi-Fi infrastructure vendors provide a high-level, birds-eye view to manage the network,” said Jussi Kiviniemi, senior product manager at Ekahau. ”

View full post on dailywireless.org

Google will no longer collect information about the location of Wi-Fi networks when using its Street View cars. A flurry of privacy probes began after the company said it unintentionally captured fragments of unencrypted data, reports C/Net.

Canada was the latest to complain about Google’s practices. Canadian privacy commissioner Jennifer Stoddart, said Tuesday that Google’s recent Wi-Fi sniffing was a serious violation of Canadians’ privacy rights and included the collection of personally identifiable information.

“Our investigation shows that Google did capture personal information – and, in some cases, highly sensitive personal information such as complete e-mails,” Stoddart said in a statement. “This incident was a serious violation of Canadians’ privacy rights.”

Instead, Stoddart said that, based on her conversations with headquarters in Mountain View, Ca., “Google intends to obtain the information needed to populate its location-based services database” from “users’ handsets.”

In May, Google admitted that equipment attached to its Street View cars had inadvertently collected personal information that consumers sent over unencrypted wireless networks. The revelation has prompted inquiries from privacy officials all over the world.

View full post on dailywireless.org

Comcast is officially launching “Xfinity WiFi” across Northern New Jersey, “key beach towns along the Jersey shore” and the Philadelphia Metro area at no additional cost to Comcast residential broadband customers, says Broadband Reports.

Access to XFINITY WiFi is included with a Comcast Internet subscription at no additional cost. Some 2,000 hotspots have gone live at this time which can be accessed with an existing Comcast username and password.

Currently it’s only available in the Northeast region of the United States. “We plan to increase the number of spots in this area before the end of the year, but do not have plans to launch WiFi in other markets or nationally at this time,” says Comcast.

Comcast, like Time-Warner Cable, is an investor in Clearwire. Clear’s WiFi router (above) can supply a one-piece solution for data-hungry consumers. Beats a full wrap transit ad.

Time Warner Cable and Cablevision are both competing with Verizon throughout the New York City metropolitan area — but agreed to share free, unlimited Wi-Fi services in each other’s New York City metro service areas at designated Wi-Fi zones.

Cablevision’s Optimum Wi-Fi network, launched in 2008, covers more than 96 percent of Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad station platforms in the New York area. Cablevision’s Online customers can use it for free.

“We are very pleased to help mark the launch of Time Warner Cable Wi-Fi by linking our networks and expanding our customers’ access to fast and free wireless Internet, especially as demand for mobile data continues to increase,” said Kevin Curran, Cablevision’s Senior Vice President of Wireless Development.

Time Warner Cable’s Wi-Fi is now available. TWC’s initial WiFi Zones (map) cover eight commuter rail platforms on the Long Island Railroad and four parks in Queens.

Free Wi-Fi is now the norm.

• Starbucks will offer free and unrestricted Internet access over Wi-Fi in its stores, starting July 1st. By Fall 2010, Starbucks also plans to give Internet users in its stores free access to paid sites, including the Wall Street Journal. All U.S. company-operated Starbucks hot spots previously supported AT&T Wi-Fi service. A $5 or more Starbucks Card, would get you two consecutive hours of complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi daily. Now it’s all free.
• Barnes & Noble, the largest book chain in the United States, provides free WiFi for patrons, in a deal with AT&T. Barnes & Noble’s agreement with AT&T provides free Wi-Fi to all its customers because the company hopes to bring more customers into the store, and expand its current e-book catalog of 700,000 titles.
• Borders, the second-largest bookstore chain in the United States (after Barnes & Noble), will provide free wireless Internet access in about 500 of its U.S. stores.
• McDonalds now offers free wireless Internet access at its U.S. restaurants, lifting a $2.95 fee that it had charged customers for two hours of wireless Internet access. It’s available at about 11,000 of its 14,000 domestic locations.
• Verizon is partnering with Boingo to deliver free WiFi access. Free Verizon Wi-Fi hot spot locations include hotels, airports, restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, convention centers and public locations across the U.S. Boingo’s network of Wi-Fi hotspots – which includes more than 100,000 locations around the world – IF you’re a Verizon FiOS or DSL broadband subscriber.
• Google provided free Wi-Fi at airports, through January 15, 2010. It was working with airports across the country as well as Boingo Wireless, Advanced Wireless Group, Airport Marketing Income and others to provide the service.
• Satellite broadband provider Row 44 and mobile media company JiWire teamed up to deliver free in-flight Wi-Fi supported by advertising.

Related Dailywireless transit connectivity stories include NJ Transit to Be WiFied, NYC Gets Another Free WiFi Proposal, Open Transit Apps Compared, WiFi on Trains Conference, SF Bay Unwired, Smart Card for Toronto Transit, Transit TV in L.A., How to Create Transit Applications, Bikes and BART Get Mapped,

View full post on dailywireless.org

It looks like the Motorola MB860, also currently thought to be the rumored Olympus, has been stamped with Wi-Fi certification.

The model/SKU# shown above does not match the Motorola Stingray tab seen not long ago, but rather, it’s listed as a “smartphone”. This may mean that the MB860 could be the much anticipated Tegra 2, but we’ll likely see more confirmation on that as we approach CES in January 2011.

Tegra 2 Sighting? Motorola MB860 gets Wi-Fi Certified

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

Not everyone with 32 Gigs of music has 32 gigabytes of storage on their BlackBerry. Enter Wi-Fi Music Sync. This handy feature allows you to access all of your home music without wires. It’s dead simple to set up.

1. Start Desktop Manager 6 and connect your BlackBerry via USB
2. Click Wi-Fi music sync at the bottom of DM
3. Select "Turn wireless sync on"
4. Click OK when the process finishes
5. Click "Music" then "Sync"
6. Disconnect your BlackBerry and enjoy

Simple, right? Well…there are a few things you should know about setting up and enjoying this feature of BlackBerry OS6. Keep reading and we’ll explore all there is to know about Wifi music sync.

read more

CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry 101: Wifi music sync on your OS6 BlackBerry Smartphone

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

Today T-Mobile announced that WiFi calling will be available on a growing selection of T-Mobile’s Android-powered smartphones in the coming months. T-Mobile USA has long touted WiFi calling as the answer for augmenting its cellular network – rather than Femtocells – which use cellular frequenies in the home.

T-Mobile says Wi-Fi Calling will be availabile with Android-powered smartphones using their built-in Wi-Fi. Those phones include the recently announced new T-Mobile myTouch and Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR. Currently, T-Mobile offers Wi-Fi Calling on numerous devices including the Nokia E73 Mode™, BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520, BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 and the new BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G

Powered by Kineto’s Smart Wi-Fi Application, T-Mobile’s Wi-Fi Calling for Android smartphones will be ready to use out-of-the-box, providing the ability to make voice calls and send SMS from accessible Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) access points across the globe in addition to the connectivity available through T-Mobile’s mobile network.

Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) handsets can make and receive calls from anywhere your phone can connect to a WiFi network and saves on roaming charges. According to Wikipedia, when a Voice over WiFi handset detects a wireless LAN, it can establish a secure IP connection through a gateway to a server on the carrier’s network. It presents the mobile core network as a standard cellular base station and the handset communicates over a secure connection using existing GSM/UMTS protocols. When a mobile moves from a GSM to an 802.11 network, it appears to the core network as if it is simply on a different base station.

Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) capabilities can be valuable to subscribers, explains Monica Paolini. I you happen to live or work in a place where cellular coverage is not available or reliable, you can use a local WiFi hotspot – your own or others.

View full post on dailywireless.org

It seems like Wi-Fi calling has been swarming around T-Mobile since we first learned about Wi-Fi calling on Android devices with the LG Optimus which should be gracing the shelves of Magenta later this year and the leaked internal document about the G2.

Well, T-Mobile has put the rumors to rest as they have officially announced Wi-Fi calling that will be coming to a wide selection of Android headsets including the unreleased myTouch and the Motorola Defy and will be powered by Kineto Wireless.

The implementation of Wi-Fi Calling for Android smartphones brings a new solution to a fast-growing mobile platform and broader range of smartphones for consumers and business customers.  Powered by Kineto’s Smart Wi-Fi Application, T-Mobile’s Wi-Fi Calling for Android smartphones will be ready to use out-of-the-box, providing the ability to make voice calls and send SMS from accessible Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) access points across the globe in addition to the connectivity available through T-Mobile’s mobile network. The application will also include a tutorial for the benefit of first-time users of the feature.

Full presser after the jump.

T-Mobile Extends Wi-Fi Calling to Android Smartphones

Wi-Fi Calling To Be Available on New T-Mobile myTouch, Motorola DEFY and More

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Oct. 6, 2010 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced its continued innovation of Wi-Fi Calling technology with the upcoming availability of built-in Wi-Fi Calling solutions planned for a wide selection of Android™-powered smartphones, including the recently announced new T-Mobile® myTouch® and Motorola DEFY™ with MOTOBLUR™.

A leader in bringing innovative and easy-to-use solutions to market to enhance indoor coverage for consumers and provide cost saving for businesses, T-Mobile hosts approximately 40 million Wi-Fi calls per month, a number that has grown steadily since the company launched Wi-Fi Calling in June 2007. In addition to consumers benefiting from enhanced coverage, T-Mobile business customers – from small business to multinational corporations – have long taken advantage of the company’s Wi-Fi Calling plan offerings, enabling them to take advantage of the enhanced coverage, as well as the opportunity for reduced domestic and international minute usage, increased enterprise mobility cost savings and improved productivity benefits this solution can deliver. Currently, T-Mobile offers Wi-Fi Calling on numerous devices including the Nokia E73 Mode™, BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520, BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 and the new BlackBerry® Curve™ 3G.

“T-Mobile’s expansion of Wi-Fi Calling to Android smartphones is an excellent innovation, and part of our ongoing initiatives on behalf of our customers to enhance indoor coverage,” said Torrie Dorrell, vice president, connected family products and services, T-Mobile USA. “This new execution of Wi-Fi Calling technology helps us ensure that our customers’ Android-powered smartphones can keep them connected to the important people in their lives where they work, live or play.”

The implementation of Wi-Fi Calling for Android smartphones brings a new solution to a fast-growing mobile platform and broader range of smartphones for consumers and business customers.  Powered by Kineto’s Smart Wi-Fi Application, T-Mobile’s Wi-Fi Calling for Android smartphones will be ready to use out-of-the-box, providing the ability to make voice calls and send SMS from accessible Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) access points across the globe in addition to the connectivity available through T-Mobile’s mobile network. The application will also include a tutorial for the benefit of first-time users of the feature.

Availability

Wi-Fi Calling for Android is anticipated to be available on a growing selection of T-Mobile’s Android-powered smartphones in the coming months.

The new T-Mobile myTouch is expected to be available in time for the holidays, exclusively from

T-Mobile USA in four colors —white, black, plum or red. Customers can visit http://mytouch.t-mobile.com for more information.

Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR is expected to be available exclusively to T-Mobile USA customers in time for the holidays. For more information on Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR.  Customers can visit http://www.T-Mobile.com for more information.

Via: TMOnews

View full post on AndroidSPIN | Your No.1 source for Everything Android.

T-Mobile Flicks On Wi-Fi Calling For Android Phones
UMA or Wi-Fi calling is one of the reasons why I’ve been a loyal T-Mobile customer for the past five or six years. And now that unique feature will be extended beyond BlackBerrys (and one Nokia device) to Android devices in the coming months. It will work out of-the-box allowing customers with the new T-Mobile [...]

Read more on Techland

Laptopmag.com has posted some results to help determine what the best smartphone device is to handle hotspot usage. The original results include mainly Android devices (as it should) as well as a couple of Palm’s. However, the Palm’s were cut from the final results after finishing well below what we would consider standard speeds with today’s carriers.

The results were shown after tests using Speedtest.net with a Toshiba Satellite A665 for Wi-Fi connectivity. Popular sites such as ESPN.com, NYTimes.com and CNN.com were all tested by download times using Google Chrome as well. Head on past the break for the results.

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

LG is stepping up to the Android plate with their new Optimus phone and wants to make sure you know the top 4 reasons to plunker down your cash in their corner.  The one that appears most interesting to me is reason #2:  ”Flexibility to make calls using broadband internet connections via Wi-Fi hotspots without using your minutes.“

Whoa there, you mean, carriers are going to allow this!?  If so, it definitely deserves a thumbs up, as it will not only allow customers to save minutes, but will be a huge help to those who live in areas with poor signal (or just have dead spots in their home).  This will also help save bandwidth load on the carrier’s network to allow more throughput for all the high-bandwidth media consumption we are gobbling up on our smartphones.

I must say, I’m happy to see this type of feature being put into Android devices, and hope it becomes the norm.  As more people join the crowded smartphone segment, we will need to be more innovative in our ways to share our wireless bandwidth.  If there is one thing I’m not looking forward to, it’s tiered-pricing for data usage…

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

The LG Optimus One is an entry-level device with the latest Android software and it fits T-Mobile perfectly as they don’t get too many high-end devices now in days. There is no official word yet on when this LG device will launch on T-Mobile, but from seeing the image above, this device is rumored to have an interesting feature.

Extended Coverage – Flexibility to make calls using broadband internet connection via Wi-Fi hotspots without using your minutes.

We’re hoping that T-Mobile brings UMA support to their Android device soon and this LG Optimus could definitely start the trend, but we shouldn’t believe it until we see it.

As this device resembles that of the LG Optimus One, it looks like T-Mobile will be dropping the “One” and keeping it simple. Features of the LG Optimus include:

• Android 2.2 (Froyo)
• 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen
• 600MHz processor
• 3-megapixel camera with face tracking and “smile shot”
• 170MB of internal storage
• 1500mAh battery

How bad do you all want UMA support on Android devices?

Via: TMOnews

View full post on AndroidSPIN | Your No.1 source for Everything Android.

Wi-Fi calling in my T-Mobile LG Optimus? It’s more likely than you think. More precisely the phone will allow you to “make calls using broadband internet connections via Wi-Fi hotspots without using your minutes.” Or that is what this latest leak by way of TMoNews is telling us. While that is easily the most thrilling aspect of the document, other specs are detailed including Android 2.2, 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, and a 3.2MP camera.

The source of the leak commented that the phone would feature “native” Wi-Fi capabilities, whatever that is supposed to mean, but the whole thing just has us piecing it together with the news we just offered up regarding Kineto’s Smart WiFi UMA calling app. Whether or not the two are related I suppose we will just have to wait and see.

[via TMoNews]

View full post on Android Phone Fans

Samsung announced at tonight’s press conference that the Galaxy Tab will be available on all 4 major US carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. Furthermore, Samsung announced that a WiFi only version is in fact on its way, but did not give any further details. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Samsung Galaxy Tab headed to all 4 US carriers, WiFi only version coming soon

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

We just got done wrapping up our live blog of the Samsung press conference and were happy to hear that Samsung is planning to bring the Galaxy Tab to all 4 of the major carriers in the U.S. –  just like they did with their Galaxy S phones.  Unfortunately, if you were hoping for some 4G goodness, you are out of luck.  We are uncertain why Samsung decided to go this route, maybe it was a push to get to the market first.  In any case,  at least you can expect competitive pricing with whichever carrier you plan to go with.

Samsung Galaxy Tab will only have 3G or WiFi, no 4G

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

We already know that all four major US Carriers will be carrying the Samsung Galaxy Tab, but what if you don’t want the tablet on a contract? What if you just want it as an in-home magazine of sorts to browse the web via Wi-Fi from your couch?

You’re in luck. During the live event, Samsung announced that a Wi-Fi only version WOULD be available in the near future. I’m sure that’s a relief for folks who want the 7-inches of Android goodness but without the 2-year ball and chain. Although for some, having web access ANYWHERE with the tab is a monumental victory… Google Navigation, anyone?

The Galaxy Tab is an interesting product proposition and it will be interesting to see how it fares this holiday season. I can’t see it slumping but how well the apps operate on the device and how many apps are custom designed for the device will play a big part in reviews, which will play a big part in the purchase decision.

Let’s see what the early poll results are regarding potential purchasers?

View full post on Android Phone Fans

The guys at Twinkler Software let me know that for today (Monday) only they are offering up a bundle of AddOnis and WiFi Hero at 40% off. The bundle usually sells for $11.98, but today until midnight you can grab it for just $7.19. These two great apps add some great functionality to your device giving you more control over common tasks.

• AddOnis: AddOnis extends system functionality, enabling features missing from the system that make your device easier and more efficient to use by adding all of the choices you always wanted to your menu selections.
• WiFi Hero: WiFi Hero automatically controls your WiFi Power Status to save power and make your battery last longer. WiFi Hero can automatically turn off or turn on WiFi power (on GSM or WCDMA netwoks only) based on your location, screen status (on/off) and charging status (on charger/off charger). 

Contest: In addition to the sale, Twinkler Software is giving up 40 app bundles to CrackBerry readers – This means you can win both AddOnis and WiFi Hero. To enter, just leave a single comment on this post. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PDT.

• Purchase Addonis/WiFi Hero bundle OTA from your device >>

CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Contest: 40 copies of AddOnis & WiFi Hero up for grabs; Buy both today only and save 40%

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

If you’re anything like me, there’s times when you just don’t feel like grabbing your USB cable for a quick file transfer.  Well, now you don’t have to, thanks to a great little app called WiFi File Explorer, which allows you to browse and transfer files stored on your phone over WiFi.

The process is fairly straight forward.  Simply connect the phone to your WiFi network, launch the app to receive the unique address, and then enter that into your browser.  Now you are ready to browse your phone’s SD card over your WiFi connection.

The application comes in two version.  The free edition does not allow for uploads, only downloads.  Also, neither version has a way to transfer files in bulk, so it is best used for a few quick files at a time.

Rate and download: WiFi File Explorer Free

Rate and download: WiFi File Explorer Pro

Browse your SD card on the Web with WiFi File Explorer

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

Clearwire will announce a pay-as-you-go service this coming Monday, says Unstrung, based on a pocket-sized mobile hotspot called “Rover Puck” that will link a number of WiFi-enabled devices to a WiMax signal.

The company said in an SEC filing that it would unveil a new pay-as-you-go service. The small round “Rover Puck” suggests that it could be used for portable connectivity on the move.

It uses a Beceem BCSM 250 WiMAX chip (pdf) also used by Sierra Wireless for their AirCard W801 mobile hotspot available from Sprint as the Overdrive 3G/4G.

Beceem’s latest chip, the BCS500 supports both WiMAX 16e and the faster 16m standard, as well as the 3GPP-LTE, based on Release 8 specifications. In addition, it supports both TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16m. No word on that.

Clearwire plans to conduct LTE tests in the fall and throughout early 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona (see DW: Clearwire to Test LTE ). During the trials, Clearwire will collaborate with Beceem, and other partners, to determine the best methods for enabling end-user devices to take advantage of a potential multi-mode WiMAX/LTE network.

• FDD LTE: Clearwire intends to conduct FDD LTE (Frequency Division Duplex) tests using 40 MHz of spectrum, paired in 20 MHz contiguous channels, of its 2.5 GHz spectrum. Clearwire expects to confirm the capability to produce real-world download speeds that range from 20-70 Mbps. This is expected to be significantly faster than the 5-12 Mbps speeds currently envisioned by other LTE deployments in the U.S., which will rely on smaller pairs of 10 Mhz channels or less.
• TDD LTE: Clearwire will concurrently test TDD LTE (Time Division Duplex), in a 20 MHz configuration, which is twice the channel size currently used in its 4G WiMAX deployments.
• WiMAX and LTE: Clearwire will also test WiMAX co-existence with both FDD LTE and TDD LTE to confirm the flexibility of its network and spectrum strength to simultaneously support a wide-range of devices across its all-IP network.

Clearwire announced earlier this month the CLEAR iSpot, a mobile hotspot with dedicated support for Apple’s line of mobile devices, including the iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. The iSpot uses Clear’s WiMAX network. You get unlimited data and 4G speed for $25/month. The iSpot is made exclusively for Apple mobile products. iSpot users can share Wi-Fi with up to eight Apple mobile devices, without a long term contract.

The CLEAR Spot 4G, like the iSpot, requires a monthly fee. They support 802.11b/g, and come with batteries, a USB connection, and an optional 12v DC cigarette lighter adapter.

The CLEAR Spot 4G supports devices other than iPad, iPod touch and iPhone, but it requires a $40/month service fee. WiMAX delivers (true) unlimited 3-6 Mbps WiMAX service.

The CLEAR Spot 4G+ includes Sprint’s 3G network and is similar to the Sprint Overdrive. There’s no 3G capability integrated in the iSpot, or the Clear Spot. Whether the new Rover Puck will include 3G support remains to be seen.

The new Got CLEAR mobile map application (right) runs on a mobile. It determines whether Clear coverage is available at your current location.

It’s available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch (OS 3.0 or greater) or Android phone here.

It’s not yet known whether Sprint’s subsidiary Virgin Mobile, which specializes in prepaid plans, will offer Clearwire’s service. Virgin began selling an unlimited $40 mobile-broadband plan using 3G. Their $40 prepaid service lasts 30 days. A $10 prepaid data plan provides 100 MB over 10 days.

Cricket Wireless, another prepaid carrier which recently released its first Android phone, might also join with Sprint and Clear on a prepaid broadband plan. Cricket is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) using the Sprint network, but also has its own AWS spectrum. Cricket currently uses CDMA Rev A for broadband data services.

MetroPCS, the 5th largest mobile carrier in the U.S., will be the first to offer LTE service — and an LTE phone, the Samsung Craft SCH-R900. MetroPCS will begin offering LTE services in Las Vegas and Dallas this September.

MetroPCS is basically leapfrogging 3G with a 4G play, says Mike Dano at Fierce Wireless. MetroPCS could boost spectrum and speeds via additional spectrum purchases or partnerships with the likes of Leap Wireless, Clearwire or LightSquared.

The question is; who is going with LightSquared and who is going with Clear?

Lightsquared probably needs the cell towers of T-Mobile to create its nationwide terrestrial network. Cricket, MetroPCS and Virgin Mobile are more “virtual networks”. They might use Clearwire’s spectrum for LTE – where else could they get it? ICO? Meanwhile Verizon, AT&T and Comcast are sitting on vast reserves of AWS spectrum.

It will make LTE the undisputed champion.

But it’s a data-centric world. The 2.6 GHz band is all screwed up. It should have been carved up exactly opposite of the 140/50 GHz split. Instead of 140 Mhz devoted to LTE frequency pairs, the larger bandwidth chunk should have been dedicated to TD- LTE (unpaired) frequencies — for nearly twice the one-way speed. Mobile data traffic now surpasses voice and it will continue to grow indefinitely. Data will soon take 80% of traffic. Everyone knows that.

The cellular industry is voice-driven. Steam age. Punk. Craig McCaw did his best, but it’s all going to hell, now.

Related Dailywireless articles include; Phoney Spectrum Scarcity, US Wireless Business: Good Margins, Clearwire to Test LTE, Cheat Sheet for Cellco Financials, WiMAX in More Cities, LTE Plans Leaked, Sprint Nextel: LTE/WiMAX Double Header?, Denmark Getting LTE, Qualcomm Gets Indian Partners, India’s Broadband Auction: It’s Done, 4G Auction in UK by 2011, AT&T Data Caps Extend to Femtocells, AT&T’s New Data Plans, T-Mobile: Now HSPA+ Coverage for 75M, Public Safety: Show Us The Money, Clear: No Limits, FCC to Okay $2.3B AT&T Deal, Cellcos: One Thing – Bandwidth, T-Mobile Eyeing Clear Spectrum, FCC Considers Auctioning Off TV Frequencies, FCC Okays Terrestrial LTE for SkyTerra, Battle of the Bands Goes to Congress, D-Block: It’s Done; Congress Pays

View full post on dailywireless.org