Moving Picture News

March 29, 2006

Streaming Music to Mobile Devices: Next Big Thing

Streaming music to mobile devices will be the next big thing. With the mass user base of mobile devices in the U.S. and standards based technology being built into these devices, it makes perfect sense that streaming music on cell phones will be popular.

In addition, networks such as Sprint are leading the way by allow streaming media to be viewed or listened to on their network openly. Most networks are closed including, Verizon's VCast streaming service which is a "walled garden" type of streaming environment, which means Verizon controls the streaming content that can be viewed by Verizon customers. Therefore it's not open. Sure most service providers have on-line media content that can be viewed using multimedia streaming phones with the purchase of add-on services including Sprint's Power Vision service.

However for the U.S., Cingular and Sprint provide the only open networks for streaming, which means that anyone with a their own streaming server that supports 3G streaming music can provide content to Sprint customers. The Sprint Network is not a "walled garden" environment so listeners can tune into Streaming music content by typing in the RSTP URL of the streaming channel of their choosing. So for example, if you want to have your own streaming music channel for Sprint mobile subscribers, you can do.

In our next and final part of "Streaming Music to Mobile Devices: Next Big Thing", we'll discuss the technology for listening to streaming music on-line.

Learn more about Sprint Power Vision multimedia phones and the Sprint Power Vision service.

Posted by MovingPicture at 03:11 PM

January 17, 2006

Mood-sensing Cell Phone Concept Brings Seamless Mobility to Life; Earns Top Prize for Innovation in Motorola Competition

"MOTOFWRD" grand prize winner from Duke University awarded $10,000 scholarship, new Bluetooth-enabled car, apprenticeship with Motorola's Chief Technology Office Public asked to vote online for MYMOTOCHOICE winner

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Jan 17, 2006 -- Seamless mobility links us to our world anytime, anywhere, and in the mind's eye of John Finan, a Duke University graduate student and grand prize winner of Motorola's first-ever MOTOFWRD competition, it may soon help interpret the tones and mood of every day life.

Designed to improve social interactions, especially for tens of thousands of people who suffer from a mild form of autism called Asberger's Syndrome, Finan's "Mood Phone" would light up in a spectrum of color -- from warm reds to cool blues -- based on the verbal patterns of everyday speech received through the handset. Seen through the corner of the eye, the visual stimulus would help users interpret the mood and inflection communicated through the words and phrases they hear.

The biomedical engineering Ph.D. candidate's concept was judged to be best among the scores of ideas presented through Motorola's first-ever MOTOFWRD competition that asked college students to envision the future of seamless mobility. Concepts ranged from the fantastic to the practical: mobile technology that could access information, contacts, music and video with the blink of an eye, to location-aware cell phones that could lead to new friendships, inspire public debate, or help identify and book a vacant parking spot in a crowded downtown.

"I entered this competition because I thought Motorola was asking the right question with their theme of seamless mobility," said Finan, a Dublin, Ireland, native. "A new toy can entertain for a time but a new tool that really makes you feel closer to home and freer to move can change behavior, and that is how a revolution begins."

"The Mood Phone is a truly inventive technology solution to a problem most of us wouldn't assume could be answered with a mobile device," said Padamasree Warrior, Motorola's chief technology officer. "If the technology becomes reality, it would make all of our lives easier. But the most important idea here is that these college students who entered the MOTOFWRD competition have truly impressed us with their level of innovation and creativity."

For his grand-prize-winning concept, Finan was presented today with $10,000, a Bluetooth enabled BMW and a suite of Motorola products during a New York award ceremony. Finan will also serve an apprenticeship with Motorola's Chief Technology Office focusing on the next generation of Motorola mobile technology. Just like in his winning "Mood Phone" entry, he will be researching how devices that give physical cues enhance user experience.

Finan and three runners-up were chosen from a pool of entries representing more than 500 students and 220 universities. The entries were judged by a panel of industry experts including founder of dodgeball.com Dennis Crowley, founder of blackplanet.com Omar Wasow, futurist Dr. James Canton, youth culture expert DeeDee Gordon and sci-fi authors Cory Doctorow and Catherine Asaro.

"We were blown away by the entries we reviewed," said Crowley. "We saw everything from mood-affecting technologies to gadgets that speed household chores to communications platforms that allow everyone to voice their opinions to the world. Choosing a winner was difficult."

The three runners-up were awarded $2,500 and product prize packages. The students and concepts are:

Seamless Mobility Will ... -- James Goodrich, Northwestern University

Goodrich's vision of seamless mobility facilitates economic development, advances health care, and allows people to communicate across language barriers. His essay also explores a promise of cheaper, more accessible devices, software for "rent," allowing users to pay for functionality only when needed, and self-organizing, viral networks to give service to difficult-to-reach communities.

College Life 2010 -- Brian Ho, Virginia Tech

It is a dream come true -- a personal computer, PDA, GPS navigation platform, cell phone MP3 player and credit card all in one place. Ho's concept brings all of the information to display in the user's peripheral vision via specially-equipped glasses and a wristwatch.

Outspoken Architecture -- Ryan Panchadsaram, University of California, Berkeley

Panchadsaram's graphic piece redefines the notion of speaking your mind. His Outspoken Architecture prompts people to sound off via mobile video devices on everything -- concerts, current events books and more. The information is shared with others around the world who search the topic or are alerted to the video posting when in the area of the event, venue or tangible space by their location-aware devices.

Still to be named by public online voting is the MYMOTOCHOICE winner who will receive $2,500 and a product prize package. The competition's top 10 finalists' entries and voting are available at http://www.motorola.com/motofwrd . Online voting ends January 18 at 5 p.m. (CT).

Posted by MovingPicture at 05:44 PM

January 09, 2006

The 2006 CES Tradeshow Means New Gadgets for Consumers

The 2006 International CES, the largest annual consumer technology show in the world, announced many exciting gadgets.

This year, the Consumer Electronics Show included keynote addresses by CEO's from companies like Microsoft, Intel, Verizon, Yahoo, and Sony. Many other companies where on-hand to showcase their new electronics and portable devices. I'll be providing a wrap-up this week and showcasing some of the exciting developments that came as a result of this year's show.

> Learn more about the 2006 International CES Tradeshow

Posted by MovingPicture at 05:59 PM

Google Icon on Motorola Mobile Devices

Expect to see Motorola handsets with Google icons on them during the first quarter of 2006. The Google icons will be featured on select mobile devices and will be aimed at providing comsumers with easy access to information on the go.

'Access to information is imperative for people on-the-go. Whether checking the local weather or locating the restaurant of their choice, consumers today require personalized search services that are tailored to their needs,' said Nikesh Arora, vice president, European Operations, Google Inc.

The partnership between Google and Motorola will allow the global leader in wireless communications and the world leader in search engine technology the ability to provide a feature that consumers have been looking for. Many consumers have made requests to have handsets integrated with their favorite search services.

The better usablity of mobile devices will mean an increased usability of mobile handsets, which will hopefully bring about more streaming video on mobile devices.

Information links:
> Learn more about Google services.
> Get more information about Motorola and their products.

Posted by MovingPicture at 05:40 PM

December 14, 2005

Nextel Launches the Motorola i355; Full Featured Rugged Phone Provides Five Ways to Stay Connected

Nextel Communications Inc. and Motorola Inc.announced the Motorola i355, an affordable rugged phone that delivers five distinctways to stay connected. In addition, the i355 handset meets U.S military specificationsfor resistance to dust, blowing rain and vibration and has a durable rubber overmoldfor protection against extreme conditions.

The i355 is one of the first handsets to offer Nextel’s new Group Connect^SM feature.Group Connect allows users to instantly connect with up to 20 other Nextel usersnationwide - and set it all up quickly and easily from their handset. With GroupConnect, users can instantly communicate with an entire team with the push ofa button.

“The Motorola i355 is designed to meet users’ instant communication needs wherever they may be,” said Peter Aloumanis, director, U.S. Markets Division, Motorola’s iDEN® Subscriber Group. “The off-network walkie-talkie is an ideal back-up communications system for staying connected with confidence.”

In addition to Group Connect, i355 users can communicate through digital cellularphone service, Direct Connect, Direct Talk^SM and Multimedia Messaging.²

• Nextel’s Direct Connect service is the nationwide and country-to-country instant walkie-talkie service that connects users in under a second.
  
• Direct Talk allows users to stay connected even if they are outside of the Nextel network coverage area by allowing them to manually transform the phone into an off-network walkie-talkie with a range of up to six miles depending upon specific conditions, such as terrain.
  
• Multimedia Messaging service allows users to send text, images and audio together from several locations on the handset, allowing for a high level of expression and personalization on the i355.

“Nextel is pleased to continue our commitment to businesses that requirea rugged and reliable phone with the introduction of the i355,” said BlairKutrow, Nextel’s vice president of Product Management. “Many industries,including public service, construction and transportation services, need theconfidence that comes with multiple ways to keep groups connected. Outdoor enthusiastswho want a rugged phone with various ways to communicate will also appreciatethis new addition to our portfolio.”

Packed with innovative, easy to use options, the i355 also offers GPS technology,a 65K vibrant color display, downloadable Java™ applications, voice recorder,speakerphone, voice-activated dialing and assignable ring tones. The i355 isavailable through all Nextel distribution channels, including retail stores,at a price of $99.99, with a two-year service agreement, new activation and creditapproval. Taxes, fees, early termination fee and other charges apply.

 

Posted by MovingPicture at 04:40 PM

This Year's Wireless Must-Have Debuts at Verizon Wireless: The V Cast-Enabled Motorola RAZR V3c

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a global leader in wireless communications, and Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading wireless service provider, today announced availability of the Motorola RAZR V3c. Verizon Wireless customers can purchase the Motorola RAZR V3c online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning tomorrow and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores starting on December 12.

In addition to the phone’s coveted ultra-thin design, the Motorola RAZR V3c comes equipped with Verizon Wireless’ V CAST multimedia service. V CAST from Verizon Wireless is the first true wireless broadband multimedia service in the country, allowing customers to view crystal clear video clips on demand. V CAST programming includes content from trusted news sources, the greatest sports and a huge variety of entertainment programs. V CAST runs on Verizon Wireless’ Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network - the largest high-speed wireless broadband network in the United States. The V CAST coverage area, which mirrors the Verizon Wireless EV-DO network, is available to more than 140 million Americans in 171 major metropolitan markets and is expanding coast to coast.

The Motorola RAZR V3c also offers certain profiles of Bluetooth^® wireless technology, an office-quality speakerphone and up to 30 megabytes of embedded memory. Weighing in at a mere 3.49 ounces, the surprisingly slim Motorola RAZR V3c balances its productivity tools with a 1.3 megapixel digital camera, video record and playback and speech recognition capability. Other features of the RAZR V3c include:

• Video/Camera

1. 1.3 Megapixel Camera
2. 30 MB user storage
3. 2.2” 176 x 220 internal screen 65K TFT color display
4. 1.0” 96 x 80 external 65K CSTN color display
5. Video Resolution: 176 x144
6. Camera Resolutions: 160 x 120, 320 x 240, 640 x 480, 1280 x 1024
7. Self Timer: 5 or 10 seconds
8. Color Effects: Normal, Sepia, B&W, and Negative
9. Fun Frames for Photos

• Mobile Media*

1. VCAST Service –stream and download video clips on the EV-DO network
2. Mobile Web 2.0^SM
3. Get it Now^® Capable
4. Mobile Instant Messaging (IM)
5. Picture and Video Messaging Service (MMS)
6. Two-Way TXT Messaging Service (SMS)

• Data & Text

1. Up to 11 lines text
2. Up to 1000 phonebook entries to store all your contacts
3. Tools: Calculator, Calendar, Alarm Clock and Voice Memo

• Voice/Audio

1. Polyphonic ring tones, plus 5 VibraCall™ vibrating alerts and silent
2. Advanced Speech Recognition
3. Integrated speakerphone

• General

1. Bluetooth – Capable: Supports the Headset and Hands-free Profiles. Does not support Bluetooth OBEX Profiles.
2. Handset Insurance: Yes
3. 5-way navigation key
4. GPS capable for E911 emergency location
5. TTY compatible
6. Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3

• Specifications

1. 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS I 800 MHz CDMA
2. EV-DO Digital Only
3. Dimensions: 3.86 x 2.08 x 0.57 inches
4. Weight: 3.49 oz
5. Battery: 740 mAH Li-Ion
6. SAR: Ear-1.14 , Body-1.56
7. Usage Time: Up to 180 Minutes OR
8. Standby Time: Up to 200 Hours

RAZRWIRE

For Verizon Wireless customers who want to take advantage of the RAZR V3c’s cutting edge features, the companies also announced today the availability of the RAZRWIRE – the world’s first eyewear to combine patented Oakley optics with Bluetooth wireless technology. With an embedded Motorola Bluetooth wireless headset into Oakley sunglasses, RAZRWIRE Bluetooth Eyewear lets active and style-conscious consumers experience hands-free, cable-free communications. RAZRWIRE will initially be available in three frame and lens color combinations, including Platinum/Gold Iridium, Pewter/Black Iridium and Mercury/Gray. Customers can purchase the RAZRWIRE online now and will be able to purchase it in select Verizon Wireless Communications Stores starting on December 12.

Availability
The Motorola RAZR V3c retails for $199.99 after $100 rebate and a two-year customer agreement. Verizon Wireless customers can purchase the Motorola RAZR V3c online today at www.verizonwireless.com and in select Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide starting on December 12. The RAZRWIRE retails for $295.00 and includes the sunglasses, Bluetooth module and a wall charging unit.
For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Posted by MovingPicture at 04:17 PM

December 12, 2005

Motorola Launches the i870 Multimedia Phone

PLANTATION, Fla. and WAKEFIELD, Ma. – Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) has announced the launch of the Motorola i870, a new mobile device that combines an unprecedented multimedia experience with antimicrobial coating. The i870 blends a 1.3 megapixel camera with a video recorder, MP3 player and two-way radio. Additionally, the i870 is the first mobile device to feature the AgION antimicrobial coating which helps inhibit the growth of microbes such as bacteria and mold on the handset’s painted surfaces.

“Mobile professionals and consumers alike have come to expect the most cutting-edge mobile technology from Motorola and with the i870 we are delivering a device that is unlike anything else on the market today,” said Peter Aloumanis, director, U.S. Markets Division, Motorola’s iDEN^® Mobile Devices. “The Motorola i870 combines communication and entertainment in one unique handset that gives users the ability to take pictures, record important moments and play their favorite music. In addition to its distinctive combination of mobile features, the i870 handset incorporates the protective AgION antimicrobial technology.”

The i870 is a handheld media center that includes the AgION antimicrobial coating. This safe, non-toxic silver ion technology has been incorporated into the phone’s painted surfaces to help inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms. The key multimedia features of the i870 include:

• A Camcorder and 1.3 Megapixel Camera. This option allows users to capture pictures and record up to a one-hour session of video, which can be sent as images or short video clips using the multimedia messaging service*.
• Music Player. This allows users to play MP3 audio files stored on either the memory card or the phone even when the handset is closed.
• Removable Memory Card. This Transflash card enables users to save media including music, video and pictures on a removable card available at various sizes (128MB, 256MB and 512MB).
• Wide Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (WiDEN). WiDEN enables users to send and receive data up to four times faster than the current iDEN network.
• Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. This keeps users connected with local wireless devices including certain compatible Bluetooth enabled wireless phones and headsets, PDAs, laptops, desktops and handheld computers**.
• Selective Dynamic Group Call (SDGC). This feature enables users to setup two-way radio talk groups for up to 20 people, which allows users to stay in touch when they are nearby or on the road.*
• MOTOtalk. This allows users who are outside of the coverage area to manually transfer to a two-way radio-to-radio communication mode with a range of up to six miles depending upon specific conditions, such as terrain.^[i]***

“We are excited to work with Motorola to incorporate AgION’s patented antimicrobial technology into the i870 handset,” said J. Ladd Greeno, president and CEO of AgION. “Silver has a centuries-long history of use as an antimicrobial and our compound has been incorporated into a variety of applications including apparel, pens and even medical devices. The built-in antimicrobial coating of the i870 will help to ensure effective and long-lasting protection of the handset from damaging microbes.”

The i870 is available through all Nextel distribution channels, including retail stores, at a price of $299.99, with a two-year service agreement, new activation and credit approval. Taxes, fees, early termination fee and other charges apply.

Posted by MovingPicture at 03:59 PM