Tech Journal
TechJournal is a web log that profiles, documents, interviews and reviews the latest internet startup companies and the newest technologies and pretty much anything to do with the World wide web 2.0 and its users.
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Virgin Mobile has acquired Helio for $39 Million in stock. Helio is a cell phone carrier in the US that's not had the best run. The goal of Helio was to bring high end high tech South Korean mobile phones to the US market. However, American technophiles were not that impressed nor compelled to hop on the carrier. They had 170,000 subscribers.
SK Telecom, a South Korean carrier and the major stock holder in Helio agreed to the Virgin Mobile USA's purchase of Helio for $39 million in stock. Moreover, SK Telecom and Virgin Group will each invest $25 million in Virgin Mobile consequently making SK Telecom owner of 17% of Virgin Mobile.
The Helio brand will be consumed by Virgin Mobile while all of Helio's stores will be closing down except for their flagship in New York which will be rebranded into ...more
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Tags: ubuntu, os, open source, linux, mobile
Mobile Internet Devices or MID's are a tough category to define. They lie somewhere between smartphones and ultramobile pc's (UMPC's). Here's how Intel defines them:
"Mobile Internet Devices represent a new category of small, truly mobile devices that give you an amazing Internet experience -- allowing you to communicate with others, enjoy your favorite entertainment, and access information on-the-go. Consumer electronics and PC companies are using Intel Centrino Atom processor technology to deliver exciting new products for consumers and business users. This latest generation of small, powerful, highly portable Internet-connected devices combines many great capabilities with the convenience of a pocket-sized solution for your life on-the-go."
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Tags: mobile, blackberry
The next generation Blackberry that is supposed to be RIM's answer to the iPhone 3G coming this July 11, is rumored to be delayed for release. The Blackberry Bold is supposed to be released this July but problems with the software and overheating.
AT&T is the US partner of the Canada-based manufacturer to distribute the smartphone in the US. According to Boy Genius , they received reports from some high level sources in AT&T that the Blackberry Bold is still having problems with its software, battery life and overheating and that AT&T has not certified it for distribution. There are no reports however if Rogers will push through with the release of the Blackberry Bold in Canada. So far there is nothing about it in thei...more
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Tags: nokia, mobile, symbian, os
Nokia is on a shopping spree. In addition to yesterday's acquisition of Plazes , Nokia has now bought the remaining 52% of Symbian OS stock making them the new owners of the operating system. after the acquisition, they gave it back to the Symbian Foundation as an open source OS.
Nokia uses Symbian in all of their smartphones and mobile handsets. Moreover, Sony Ericsson, LG, and Samsung are also using the operating system. This simply shows that Symbian is still the largest and most used operating system in the mobile business. Though the iPhone's hype has been making a lot of noise, their OS still ranks fourth after Symbian, Windows and RIM in the smartphone market. Add the non smartphones and Symbian takes a huge lead in the overall mobile market.
The con...more
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Tags: mobile, gps, location-based, maps
The world's largest retailer of mobile phones, Nokia , has just purchased Berlin-based startup Plazes .
Plazes is a location-based social network that basically allows mobile users to see where their contacts are.
Nokia, though being the largest and best known phone maker, is also feeling the pressure from the emergence and rapid availability of GPS enabled handsets. Of course they also have theri devices but GPS is not as fun if you have no friends to share it with.
Apple already announced that the new iPhone would have GPS. ...more
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Ok, I don't have an iPhone. I assumed that Apple's first iPhone last year would simply be a stepping stone for a better one and I was right. Apple released the iPhone 3G last week and boy I got to admit, I want one. Actually the 3G feature was the only thing standing in my way of getting the first iPhone, so now that the package is complete, I'm thinking maybe it's time to get one.
That being said, is the iPhone the way to go? Even the iPhone 3G has its flaws, lots of it. First, all that proprietary hardware and software they have to go with. Second, you'll have to buy even the content just to make it look as good as you expected it to be. Then there's the unchangeable batteries, the expansion card (though with 8GB, would you really need one?), the tactile controls, the camera, etc, and maybe other things along th...more
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I am a Nokia convert. My first GSM phone was an Ericsson GA628 then followed 2 more Ericsson's, a Siemens, then the Nokias ever since. At first I did not want to join the bandwagon of Nokia 5110 users but eventually because of Nokia's easy-to-use interface, vast number of chargers and batteries available everywhere, and it's relative cheapness and dependability, I have Nokia on top of my list.
However, Apple's release of the iPhone showed me that it was much of a better web device which I now realize I needed. But, I don't like Apple's concept of having to buy all-Apple products to support the device. I want my phone to be mine and not the maker's.
So now here's the dillema,&...more
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Whew! It's been all the buzz and I'm jumping on the bandwagon. If you've been living under a rock, insanely oblivious, or simply did not know yet, Apple has unveiled the new iPhone 3G at the WWDC 2008 in San Franciso yesterday morning. So why am I writing it just now? Simple, had no time yesterday.
So, the big day everyone has been waiting for came and went. Satisfied with the announcement Steve Jobs made in his keynote? Oh yeah. Just like any other Stevenote, Jobs' pitching will get you at hello.
So if you missed it, Apple has the whole Stevenote on video here . It's also been on most technology blogs so I you want more insight just search "iPhone 3G".
So, in a nutshell (a big one) here's a su...more
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Apple resellers in Australia have received a package from Apple Australia which they cannot open until June 10. The "do not open" sticker on the box claims that opening of the box will be in breach of a non-disclosure agreement (between Apple and the reseller).
Many speculate that these packages contain a 3G iPhone as a demo unit to be displayed in stores after the WWDC keynote of Steve Jobs on June 9, Monday, which is about June 10, Tuesday in Australia.
Unless somebody x-rays the package, nobody can yet be sure if this is a 3G iPhone that Steve Jobs will be unveiling and introducing to the world on Monday.
We're pretty sure that the 3G iPhone will be introduced on Monday, besides, all the logistics and partnerships are in place worldwide. The only remaining thing for Jobs to do is take down the curtain on Apple&#...more
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Verizon Wireless and AllTel Communications have confirmed the acquisition of the latter for $28.1 Billion.
The union of Verizon and Alltel put them at number one pushing AT&T to number two followed by Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile. Along with the acquisition of AllTel, Verizon now has 80 million subscribers.
However, Verizon will also be assuming the debts of AllTel which amount to about $22.2 billion. Actually the remaining $5.9 billion of the total price tag is AllTel's equity. The deal will be completed later this year.
“This move will create an enhanced platform of network coverage, spectrum and customer care to better serve the growing needs of both Alltel and Verizon Wireless cu...more
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