Analyst: Motorola Sold 100,000 Droid Smartphones
By Phil Goldstein
Although anticipation was high, lines outside Verizon Wireless retail stores to purchase the Android-based Droid smartphone were relatively short last Friday when the device went on sale. Nevertheless, one analyst says that Motorola sold around 100,000 Droid units in the first weekend of its release.
According to Mark McKechnie at Broadpoint AmTech, Verizon had around 200,000 units in stock and sold half of them over the weekend. He estimated that Motorola will sell 1 million phones running on Google's Android platform in the fourth quarter and 10 million in 2010, giving new life to the struggling handset maker."
Although the press is stating the Droid launch was not as successful as the iPhone launch, we don't believe investors expected an iPhone-like launch, but rather a first step in a cadence of products that will help bring Motorola's handsets out of the death spiral experienced during the past three years," Citigroup analyst Jim Suva wrote in a research note. Verizon has not released any weekend sales figures, but seemed confident about the level of buzz the Droid was generating.
On Friday, Verizon also launched another Android phone, the HTC Droid Eris. The collaboration between Verizon and Google has benefited from the close relationship that has developed between Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam and Google's chief executive, Eric Schmidt, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. [FierceWireless]
Motorola's First Android Phone to Hit U.S. in Mid-2009
By Jason Ankeny
New details continue to emerge on Motorola's forthcoming social networking device powered by Google's Android mobile operating system. BusinessWeek.com reports the Motorola device will boast an iPhone-like touch screen, a slide-out Qwerty keyboard and a variety of social networking-themed features promising users more direct and efficient access to services like Facebook and MySpace.
Citing sources familiar with Motorola's plans, the report notes that the device maker is already showing spec sheets and images of the handset to its worldwide operator partners, but likely won't introduce the Android phone in the U.S. until the second quarter of 2009.
BusinessWeek.com adds the Motorola device resembles T-Mobile USA's forthcoming G1, the HTC-produced, Android-based handset scheduled to hit retail later this week--however, Motorola's phone will sell for about $150 with a two-year contract, a price comparable to its new Krave. Motorola declined to elaborate on its efforts, releasing a statement noting "We're excited about the innovation possibilities on Android and look forward to delivering great products in partnership with Google."
Motorola is a founding member of the Google-backed Open Handset Alliance, and in late September reports surfaced the firm is seeking to expand its Android development team from 50 members to 350. Citing an Android developer approached by a headhunter to join the Motorola team, TechCrunch reported Motorola is making a significant financial bet on Android in an effort to reverse its sagging fortunes in the handset market; critics have long singled out software as the culprit behind the company's economic woes. [FierceMobileContent]
Motorola, RIM Surge in Smartphones?
Motorola may have finally turned the corner on its decline in mobile devices and Research In Motion's BlackBerry now represents one in every 10 smartphones sold in the United States, according to a report released today from Strategy Analytics.
Mobile-phone shipments for the U.S. market grew 5.3 percent annually year over year in the second quarter of 2008, reaching 41.9 million units. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) kept its No. 1 position with a 25.8 percent market share.
"In a nutshell I think Motorola may have hit the bottom and is now on the rebound," Bonny Joy, an analyst covering wireless device strategies for Strategy Analytics, told InternetNews.com.
The research firm attributes RIM's (NASDAQ: RIMM) double-digit achievement and Motorola's continued traction to "attractive" carrier bundle plans the two vendors have put in place, and new devices hitting the market. Joy also said Motorola's appointment of a new mobile division leader bodes well for third-quarter expectations.
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Motorola Exec: FCC White Space Testing Going Well
By Sue Marek
The FCC's white space device field test, which started last month, is going very well--at least for some companies. In an interview yesterday with FierceWireless, Steve Sharkey, Motorola's senior director, regulatory and spectrum policy, said that the FCC has just finished most of the outdoor white space device testing and that Motorola's white space device did very well in the tests.
Sharkey said that Motorola uses geolocation technology, which means it uses a combination of location technology (such as GPS) and a database that advises the device on what channel to use and whether or not there is compatibility with other white space devices."The geolocation approach has proved highly reliable," Sharkey says.
The FCC is on track to finish its white space testing soon and the commission will release a report with all the test information. Sharkey believes that based upon the performance of Motorola's device, geolocation technology will be part of the recommendation for white space device specifications.
The FCC is conducting the tests to see whether the devices that access unused television airwaves, called "white spaces," will interfere with television broadcasts. Companies such as Google and Microsoft want to use this spectrum to develop new mobile communications devices. However, the initiative has raised the ire of the National Association of Broadcasters, which argues that "white space" devices may interfere with existing television broadcasts.
Verizon Communications Executive Vice President Tom Tauke told Broadcasting & Cable that so far nobody's devices have passed the FCC's white space testing requirements. Verizon has been outspoken in its objection to letting companies use white space spectrum for wireless devices. Tauke says that the company favors licensed spectrum. [FierceWireless]
Motorolla and Cisco Invest in Amobee
Amobee Media Systems, the world leader in advertising solutions for mobile operators, today announced that Motorola, Inc. and Cisco Systems have made strategic investments in the company. These market leaders join the company's existing investors who also participated in this round -- Telefonica, Vodafone, Accel Partners, Globespan, and Sequoia Capital -- to deliver the promise of mobile advertising to operators worldwide. This investment comes in the wake of a global alliance with Telefonica, and successful deployments with Vodafone in multiple markets including Italy, Spain, and Czech Republic.
"Amobee is establishing a mobile advertising ecosystem to better serve operators," said Zohar Levkovitz, CEO of Amobee Media Systems. "By engaging with Cisco, one of the most deployed vendors of operator solutions globally, and Motorola, a leading handset manufacturer worldwide, Amobee is creating the most complete mobile advertising solution enabling operators to deploy the most effective advertising offerings for their market."
The Amobee media system establishes a new revenue stream for mobile operators who can offer their ad-enabled inventory to agencies and advertisers seeking to buy, deploy, and monitor campaigns across all mobile channels. The Amobee system also ensures that mobile customers are getting the most relevant advertising experience.
Using a single, telco-grade ad serving solution, Amobee dynamically inserts relevant ads into all mobile entertainment and communication channels, including video, music, messaging, games, and WAP. Due to this operator-centric approach, Amobee has enabled mobile advertising campaigns for world-renowned brands like Acura, Coca-Cola, Canon, Fox Searchlight, Mercedes, and more, in partnership with major operators like Telefonica and Vodafone.
"Advertising is about to open on billions of mobile screens around the world and Amobee Media Systems has made this possible. With Amobee, today's mobile operators can become tomorrow's media companies -- offering a rich diet of information, entertainment and amusement to consumers everywhere," said Mike Moritz, Partner at Sequoia Capital. "Fifteen years ago -- before companies like Yahoo! and Google -- there was barely any advertising or commerce on the internet. Today, the same is true on mobile. Thanks to Amobee, that is about to change."
Additionally, Amobee announced that mobile industry veteran Gary Schofield has joined the executive team as President and Chief Operating Officer.
With more than 20 years of operational management experience in both the enterprise and consumer markets, Schofield has specialized expertise and focus in the communications industry, particularly mobile and online. At Amobee he will be responsible for all facets of the company's business.
"Amobee has rapidly developed a reputation as a market-leading company with exceptional industry expertise and a distinct passion for excellent technology innovation," said Schofield. "In my new role, my objective is to further extend the company's global footprint, operational excellence and market position."
Most recently, Schofield was President of Networks at Digital Chocolate, a leading publisher and developer of mobile and online digital content. In this role, he was responsible for all business units across the company's global operations. Throughout his tenure, he consistently led the company to significant year-over-year growth. [FierceWireless]
WiMAX Forum Announces Long-awaited Wave 2 Certification
By Lynnette Luna
It's the moment the WiMAX industry has been waiting for. The WiMAX Forum today announced certification for Wave 2 products using MIMO in the 2.5 GHz band. The announcement includes four base stations and six mobile-station terminals operating in the 2.5 GHz band--the spectrum the new Clearwire will be launching nationwide 2.5 GHz mobile station modules passed the mandatory MIMO testing protocols.
The eight companies not surprisingly include Intel, Motorola, Samsung, Beceem, Sequans, Alvarion, Airspan, and Zyxel. Alvarion, Motorola, Samsung and Sequans each received the WiMAX Forum Certified Seal of Approval for a 2.5 GHz base station. Airspan, Beceem, Intel, Samsung, Sequans and Zyxel each received the WiMAX Forum Certified Seal of Approval for a 2.5 GHz mobile station module.
Ed Iges, co-chair of the WiMAX Forum's certification working group, told FierceWireless that certification for MIMO for 2.5 GHz products sets the stage for the quick implementation of future profiles. As such, the forum announced that it will begin to accept certification applications for 3.5 GHz equipment during the third quarter, with testing to begin in the fourth quarter and certification completed for those products before the end of the year.
The WiMAX Forum estimates that more than 100 Mobile WiMAX products will be certified by the end of 2008, and by 2011 more than 1,000 products will undergo Mobile WiMAX certification. The WiMAX Forum said it plans to stay ahead of the demand for certification with a robust global lab infrastructure, including six WiMAX Forum partner labs that are now open and ready to accept products for certification testing in China, Korea, Spain, and the U.S., along with two labs in Taiwan, ADT and TTC/CS. The WiMAX Forum plans to open two more certification labs by the end of 2008 in India and Japan and an additional lab in Brazil in 2009 in order to support the anticipated growing demands in those regions.
Wave 2 certification has taken some time to achieve because of the complexities associated with MIMO technology. "The challenge has been getting MIMO on the uplink," noted Iges. "It's not easy to certify having multiple scenarios. What happens on MIMO is that we are adding more stress to the base station." [FierceWireless]
Motorola Will Release 700 MHz LTE Products in 2009
Operators are tapping into 700MHz, 2.6GHz and re-farmed spectrum bands to meet demand for mobile broadband networks to deliver media mobility
Motorola, Inc. today announced that its first commercial release of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) solutions next year will include products for the 700MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum bands to help operators increase coverage and capacity of their networks as they strive to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband services.
Both the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and government regulatory bodies around the world are recognizing the need for more spectrum to support the arrival of wireless broadband technologies. Motorola intends to meet the needs of its network operator customers by incorporating both current and new frequency bands being considered for LTE into its product roadmap. The timing for commercialization of products in specific frequency demands will be based upon a combination of general 4G spectrum licensing trends globally as well as individual customer demands.
"We believe deploying LTE in the 700 MHz band is mandatory to meet the needs of wireless carriers in the U.S. market as well as a number of other countries globally," said Darren McQueen, Motorola vice president, Wireless Broadband Access Technologies. "In addition, there is a clear demand for LTE in 2.6GHz spectrum band to meet the needs of GSM carriers that have already secured the spectrum in the global market."
Motorola also announced that its LTE solution will support the future LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) variant to meet the need of operators with a TDD spectrum holding. "Leveraging our WiMAX TDD infrastructure, we have designed a common LTE platform that is capable of both LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and TDD, offering global operators the simplicity and economies of scale across markets," McQueen said
Motorola is engaged in LTE trials with operators in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. The knowledge gained from these LTE trials, coupled with Motorola's expertise in OFDM and experience as a leading vendor in deploying and managing WiMAX networks, will contribute greatly to the development and maturity of Motorola's LTE solutions portfolio.
Motorola's LTE base station solution is comprised of its common platform site controller unit that will be shared between WiMAX 802.16e and LTE plus a variety of radio head solutions to meet specific customer requirements. The portfolio includes frame based-mounted radios, remote radio heads and tower top radios to support a wide variety of LTE deployment scenarios across newly available spectrum as well as existing GSM, UMTS and CDMA spectrum. Motorola's flexible eNode B architecture allows many spectrum bands to be supported with limited development investment. /PR
Motorola Settles Iridium Bankruptcy Cases
Motorola, Inc. announced that on May 20, 2008, Judge James M. Peck approved a global settlement of disputes in the Iridium bankruptcy cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Approval of this settlement resolves in Motorola's favor, at no out of pocket cost to the Company, all pending claims against the Company arising out of Iridium's bankruptcy proceedings.
"This is a favorable outcome for Motorola," said Peter Lawson, executive vice president and chief counsel for Motorola. "We have always been confident in our litigation position, and this resolution -- ending the entire case at no out of pocket cost to Motorola -- confirms our confidence was well-founded. We are pleased to conclude this matter and resolve all of the Company's exposure to claims in the Iridium bankruptcy court."
Anne McClain Sidrys, a partner in Kirkland & Ellis, trial counsel for Motorola, commented, "This case has been hard fought throughout its long run, against skilled and committed opponents. It is gratifying to bring the matter to a close."
Since 2001, the court-appointed statutory creditors' committee has been actively pursuing claims against Motorola for voidable preference, fraudulent conveyance, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty, and sought more than $4 billion in total damages. With the global settlement announced today, Motorola will pay nothing.
This favorable resolution follows Motorola's victory in a first phase trial conducted by Judge Peck from October 2006 to June 2007, which focused on certain essential elements -- solvency and capital adequacy -- of the committee's $3 billion preference and fraudulent conveyance claims. Judge Peck ruled entirely in favor of Motorola in August 2007, and in September 2007 entered judgment for Motorola on those claims.
At the same time, Judge Peck also set the committee's remaining claims for trial. Rather than proceed to an expensive and time-consuming further trial, the parties conducted comprehensive settlement discussions, including a mediation held in February 2008. The global settlement approved by Judge Peck and announced today was the result of those discussions. [FierceWireless]
Motorola Submits New White Space Device to FCC
Amid the brouhaha over potential interference with wireless microphones and digital television signals in the white-space band, Motorola has presented the Federal Communications Commission with an updated version of a wireless device designed to work in the spectrum.
Commission, which favors unlicensed white-space spectrum--that unused portion next to television signals, has already looked at devices from companies such as Microsoft and Philips Electronics. Early devices reportedly have not performed well in tests.
Motorola's device primarily looks at a database of existing spectrum licensees to avoid interfering with signals. According to a Dow Jones report, the vendor has now updated the device to include sensors for adjacent channels that uses "techniques commonly utilized in cellular phones and two-way radios," according to a draft of the FCC presentation.
The sensors are designed to detect "nomadic" wireless microphones to avoid interfering with circumstances such as "roving, unplanned news-gathering operations," the draft document says. [FierceBroadbandWireless]
MOTO Z6w: Wi-Fi Enabled and Rich-looking Slider Handset
With the introduction of the Wi-Fi enabled MOTO Z6w, Motorola is making it simple for consumers to enjoy seamless services on a single device. The GSM and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)-compatible handset extends the consumer’s wireless world for taking calls, fast Web browsing and multimedia enjoyment by extending across multiple service areas, automatically switching between local networks to deliver high-speed wireless services.
The MOTO Z6w is a quad-band GSM/EDGE running on the MOTOMAGX, Motorola's Linux-Java OS. With the absence of HSDPA, the most notable feature of this slider is the UMA support and Wi-Fi, which by the way is the only upgrade over the ROKR Z6.
The sleek, rich-looking slider device offers an entertaining mobile experience with media-friendly features, including compatibility with Windows™ Media Player™ 11 on the PC, high-speed USB 2.0 for fast downloads, a 2.0 megapixel camera and video capture, and up to 4GB of optional removable memory.
The MOTO Z6w has a 2" QVGA TFT display. As a music-oriented phone, Z6w supports Windows Media Player 11 with DRM compatibility. The Z6w carries other media must-haves like instant messaging, a 2 megapixel camera without autofocus, MP3 and MPEG-4 video player. Listening to music over stereo Bluetooth headphones is possible thanks to the Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP support. Built in storage space is 64MB, expandable via microSD cards.
“We are proud to add our latest Wi-Fi enabled handset to our growing portfolio, delivering a compelling wireless experience to consumers anywhere they go,” said Rob Shaddock, senior vice president, feature and mass market handsets, Motorola Mobile Devices. “The new W series handsets offer both great mobile phone basics and a solid music experience, in a candy bar form factor that you can show off with pride.”
The MOTO Z6w connects you between wireless networks as well as today’s most popular technology accessories to create the ultimate mobile experience. Using Motorola’s EasyPair™ technology and stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, the Z6w can be paired with a rich range of compatible devices.
Whether it’s being used solo or with a companion device, the MOTO Z6w always makes a sublime style statement with an iconic slider design that sports a molten gray color-coating. /PR
Features:
- GSM and WLAN compatibility
- Slider form factor
- Integrated Windows Media Player
- Pre-loaded instant messaging²
- Optional microSD removable memory card with external access
- USB 2.0 high-speed data rate
- 2 megapixel camera
- Video capture and playback 14 FPS
Motorola, Netgear Announce Femtocell Products
A host of femtocell-related news has come out before this week's 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona. Motorola introduced its first 3G femtocell customer premise equipment (CPE) and announced it will release two commercial devices in the second half of the year. Motorola's 8000 Series Femtocell Ethernet Gateway features a four-point Ethernet gateway, VoIP port, USB connections and a WiFi router.
Netgear announced its new Femtocell Voice Gateway that will become available in the first half of this year. Netgear's box includes a residential gateway with integrated ADSL2+ modem, router, 10/100 wired LAN switch, wireless access point, VoIP, firewall and 3G femto technology from Ubiquisys.
Meanwhile, after the Femto Forum announced plans to help harmonize the integration of femtocells into mobile core networks, NEC and Kineto Wireless announced a standards proposal based on the existing 3GPP Generic Access Network (GAN) model. The two companies said a formal standard will help the market achieve mass market success.
Femtocells are mobile access points that connect to a mobile operator's network using residential DSL or cable broadband connections. They have been developed to work with a range of different standards including CDMA, GSM and UMTS.
Femtocells have the potential to make Wi-Fi networks redundant because they use less power and have a longer range. The downside is that such technology will only be available from mobile network operators as they own the licences covering the frequencies that 3G operates in. [FierceBroadbandWireless]
LiMo Foundation to Debut Mobile Linux Platform
Open source industry consortium the LiMo Foundation announced the first release of its Linux-based LiMo Platform will arrive in March, with API specifications now available to the developer population.
LiMo Foundation co-founders Motorola, NEC, NTT DoCoMo, Panasonic Mobile Communications, Samsung Electronics and Vodafone all collaborated on Release 1, promising nearly all of the enabling technology has already been commercially deployed and proven within handsets now on the retail market.
The modular open software platform is plug-in-based and hardware-independent, promising a secure runtime environment for downloaded applications.
Linux was selected as the core technology for the LiMo Platform for its acceptability by the whole mobile industry, its rich functionality and scalability, its record of success in embedded systems and mobile phones and its potential to easily "cross-platformize" with other product categories. Middleware components may be implemented in either C or C++ programming languages.
"With LiMo announcing the first release of the platform that is common across many handset vendors and models, the stage is set for mobile innovation on Linux," said Vodafone's director of terminals technology and LiMo Foundation vice chairperson Guido Arnone in a prepared statement.
"The LiMo Platform enables operators and handset makers to assign greater investment to technologies that improve the consumer experience and technology vendors and ISVs to target their products for a software platform that is being broadly adopted by the whole industry," he added. [FierceDeveloper/FierceWireless]
zzzPhone Offers Customized Features Mobile Phones
An online mobile phone vendor, called zzzPhone, has adapted the Dell model of customized, factory-direct computers for the mobile phone industry. zzzPhones aims to focus on feature phones with large touchscreens and customized features, offering competing devices to Nokia's N95, the Palm Treo and Apple's iPhone. zzzPhone has a near equivalent handset to the N95 that costs significantly less than Nokia's pricetag of $739: this zzzPhone costs just $149.
zzzPhone assures shoppers that it uses the "same high quality components" as major handset brands like Motorola, Nokia, Palm, and Samsung. The phones are unlocked, tri-band and can support two SIMs.
Manufactured by an American company with assembly plants in the heart of China's mobile phone supply chain right next to the factories of major brands Motorola, Nokia, Palm, and Samsung; these unlocked, tri-band cell phones deliver features that exceed the ultra-popular Nokia N95 and Apple iPhone, at a significantly discounted price.
Customization starts with customers choosing a base model and a custom pattern or color for the cell phone case; standard features such as a beautiful extra-large touchscreen panel and dual SIM card slots are immediate standouts. Next, customers may add various features such as GPS navigation, a second front-facing camera, and even a flashlight.
Various upgrades are available as well, such as; 4GB memory, stereo quality speakers, and even a 5 or 7 MP camera with a high quality processor. Customers can also select from a range of accessories such as Bluetooth headsets and handsfee car kits, and can even have their favorite music and movies pre-installed at the factory so their cell phone is ready to use when it arrives at the door.
Since zzzPhones are tri-band and unlocked, these phones work with any mobile carrier service worldwide (except for some European carriers). Simply swap the SIM card into a zzzPhone and even pair a second SIM card to allow two phone numbers to be used at the same time on the same phone; especially useful for international travelers and individuals who want to separate business from personal phone expenses.
To make this service even more accessible to the public, zzzPhone provides a white-label service that allows any website to sell customized cell phones through an API and wholesale dropship program. This innovative sales feature allows website operators to earn a profit for selling customized phones without having to deal with order processing and fulfillment, as the orders are redirected to zzzPhone who fulfills them as if they were orders from the website. [FierceWireless]
Motorola Poised to Sell Off its Handset Unit
Motorola confirmed speculation that it is considering whether to sell off its mobile handset business as the beleaguered firm continues to review its strategic options in attempt to revive free-falling shareholder value.
Motorola said it is currently exploring structural and strategic alignment alternatives, and is looking at separating its Mobile Devices unit in an effort to nurture its other businesses.
"All of our businesses have exceptional people, products and intellectual property and the ability to achieve category leadership in their markets," said Motorola president and CEO Greg Brown in a prepared statement. "We are exploring ways in which our Mobile Devices Business can accelerate its recovery and retain and attract talent while enabling our shareholders to realize the value of this great franchise." In the meantime, Brown has assumed direct control of Motorola's handset business.
On average, analysts value Motorola's phone division somewhere between $9 billion and $12 billion, a price tag less than two-thirds of its 2007 mobile sales. Dell, Samsung, Huawei and Sony Ericsson are presently considered the most likely suitors. Ericsson CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg is already on record saying his firm would be forced to seriously consider an offer should Motorola put the Mobile Devices unit on the block, but added he would be "very cautious" about approaching a deal, according to InformationWeek. [FierceDeveloper]
Motorola Mulls Spinning Off Mobile Biz
Motorola has finally succumbed to investor demand and has said it is prepared to "separate" its beleaguered mobile division. That is code for "make us an offer" with analysts suggesting Motorola could get $20 billion for the handset business. There has been market speculation that a Chinese buyer is interested in the business which has a 12 percent market share of the hyper competitive handset sector.
"In a statement released after market close yesterday the company said it is: "exploring the structural and strategic realignment of its businesses to better equip its Mobile Devices business to recapture global market leadership and to enhance shareholder value. The company's alternatives may include the separation of Mobile Devices from its other businesses in order to permit each business to grow and better serve its customers."
Motorola has been facing break-up calls from billionaire shareholder Carl Icahn, who owns 3.3 percent of the stock. Icahn lobbied for a boardroom seat last year and last night approved the separation: "For many months I have been publicly advocating the separation of mobile devices from Motorola's other business and I am pleased to see that Motorola is finally exploring that proposal."
Motorola was an early leader in the mobile space and dominated the U.S. handset market for a number of years, but has seen its market share collapse in the face of innovative and cheaper products led by European manufacturer Nokia. Last year Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung eclipsed Motorola for the number two position.
The possible sale comes as the traditional tight relationship between U.S. carriers and manufacturers is being challenged by a new open handset alliance led by Google and with a heated auction battle for new 700 MHz spectrum--with Google and Verizon speculated to be the two remaining companies bidding. In the face of Google's alliance Verizon late last year agreed to open its wireless platform to third party applications.
Motorola's handset business represents about half of the company's annual sales of $36 billion. A sale would leave Motorola with its home and networks division, plus its enterprise and government business. Once the mobile business is separated it is likely the remaining business will become attractive to a vendor looking to strengthen its position in the network and media sectors. Cisco? -Tom / FierceWireless
CES Round-up: MotoE8 & Z10, Nokia N95, Samsung Armani & Serenata dan Sony Ericsson Z555
Motorola, Nokia, SonyEricsson, Samsung and Neonode are among the handset vendors that have already launched phones at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 7-10, 2007.
Motorola has so far released a new ROKR device, Moto E8, which makes use of Motorola's ModeShift touch technology. From talk to music in one touch, ROKR E8 features cutting-edge, easy-to-use controls that allow a smooth transition from phone to MP3 player to imaging device.
"ROKR E8 is a no compromises device -- it's both an MP3 player that makes great phone calls and a mobile phone with tremendous audio capabilities. With our unique ModeShift technology, we're dispelling the myth that mobile phones with music features are inferior to stand-alone audio devices," stated Stu Reed, president, Motorola Mobile Devices. "Rounding out our ROKR portfolio, our new music accessories provide consumers with a number of ways to enjoy their music."
Motorola also debuted a phone aimed at the novice filmmaker, Moto Z10. The "kick slider" allows users to capture video, edit clips, create transitions between scenes as well as add title slides and a soundtrack. MOTO Z10 is a complete, pocket-sized, mobile filmstudio packed with next-generation 3G technology into a unique ergonomic kickslider design.
"With MOTO Z10, we are turning movie making and spontaneous creativity into social activities. Now, anyone can capture and share life's moments from almost anywhere in the world and make their unique perspective a part of popular culture," said Stu Reed, president, Motorola Mobile Devices.
In addition to creating videos, MOTO Z10 features great media playback capabilities. With a crystal-clear 2.2" QVGA screen that displays video at 30 frames per second in millions of colors, consumers can watch their own films or downloaded content. The external storage slot will support an external memory card with up to 32GB of capacity, when available.
Nokia has unveiled a 8GB version of its N95 that runs on HSDPA for the U.S. market. The phone also features a 2.8 inch QVGA screen with support for up to 16 million colors, eight gigabytes of built-in memory, A-GPS positioning for improved location access and enhanced battery life.
Combining speed, technology and content -- the new Nokia N95 8GB bridges the gap between traditional fixed entertainment centers and portable wireless devices with its stunning 2.8 inch QVGA screen with support for up to 16 million colors, eight gigabytes of built-in memory, A-GPS positioning for improved location access and enhanced battery life.
Based on powerful Symbian S60 3rd Edition software, consumers can personalize their Nokia N95 8GB by choosing from a wide selection of advanced mobile applications, including games, navigation, entertainment, productivity and creativity.
The Nokia N95 8GB comes out of the box ready to create, connect, consume and interact with some of the Internet's most popular services including Yahoo! Search, Amazon's MobiPocket Reader or Flickr. The device also features widget support which enables users to customize the online content they can receive quickly on their Nokia N95 8GB.
Samsung is showing off a number of luxury phones at CES this week, too. First up: The Giorgio Armani-Samsung phone, which the handset maker characterizes as the "size of a credit card" and a mere 10.5 mm thick. The Giorgio Armani-Samsung phone meets the needs of those who aspire to own technologically advanced device with which to communicate, as well as complete their lifestyle.
Samsung and Bang & Olufsen's Serenata is also on display in Vegas. It features a context-sensitive touch screen and a large aluminum wheel for navigation. Serenata is a luxury phone created between the home theatre designer Bang & Olufsen and Samsung.
Finally, Samsung is showing off its B'Phone (B for Beyonce), an update to the Upstage available exclusively through Sprint. To complement the style and glamour of the Grammy-winning artist Beyonce, the B'Phone is coated in rich burgundy and gold colors and comes complete with a preloaded special Beyonce-styled start-up screen.
Swedish handset maker Neonode is making its Neonode N2 handset available to the U.S. market at CES this week. The phone utilizes the exclusive neno user interface and zForce optical touch screen technology. Neonode executives suspect that some of the gestures that Apple built into the iPhone were lifted from their N1 device.
At CES, Sony Ericsson launched the Z555, a diamond-shaped handset that uses a gesture control application running off of the phone's camera. The phone lets users ignore a call or an alarm just by waving their hand.
A fashion flip phone that you shake in a way that could remind one of a Polaroid picture. The big draw here is Gesture Control, which lets to flip back and forth between call and mute and you can even sweep your hand over the phone to turn off the alarm.
As Sony says, it’s magic!It comes in Diamond Black and Dusted Rose — Dusted went to high school with Matt and is now in porn — and has an outer display that disappears into the front design.
“The Z555 is designed to reflect your look and attract attention,” said Sven Totte, Head of Style Marketing at Sony Ericsson. “We’ve created it for people who are looking for a beautifully designed phone that reflects their personal style and does not compromise on features or performance.” [FierceWireless]
Motorola to Launch Mobile TV Solution, Device
Motorola announced it will introduce its new DVB-H-compatible Mobile TV DH01 device and mobile TV broadcast solutions portfolio in conjunction with next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The DH01 is a pocket-sized personal media player supporting live TV, on-demand clips and programs saved on a digital video recorder (DVR) -- the non-proprietary platform supports the DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) broadcasting standard in addition to open standards interfaces across devices, networks and application service platforms.
The device's 4.3 inch-wide screen supports up to 16 million colors; additional features include a five-minute memory buffer for pause during live TV viewing. The DH01 is part of a full-scale, standards-based mobile TV solution that according to Motorola also includes network infrastructure (DVB-H transmission network equipment, video head-end center equipment, interactive application services delivery platform) as well as tools enabling operators to design, deploy and optimize their networks and application services.
The Motorola Mobile TV DH01 media player represents the natural extension of Motorola’s leadership in video and mobility solutions into mobile TV. The device is well positioned to drive lifestyle changes by enhancing consumers’ choice, convenience and control over their personal media experiences. For service providers and broadcasters, Motorola’s end-to-end mobile TV solution enables differentiation and attractive new revenue opportunities.
“Mobile TV is expected to grow significantly in 2008 and beyond and Motorola is in a unique position to mobilize the TV experience to deliver broadcast and personalized content wherever and whenever consumers want,” said Navin Mehta, vice president of Mobile TV and Applications Services for Motorola. “The Motorola Mobile TV DH01 is the ultimate personal media player – it allows consumers to enjoy their viewing experience at their convenience. In other words the entertainment experience is changing from ‘broadcast time’ to ‘my time’.”
For broadcasters, the Motorola Mobile TV DH01 represents an attractive proposition. They benefit from expanded viewing figures by extending their services to a new distribution channel of mobile viewers, and by offering greater reach for advertisers. For service providers, Motorola’s Mobile TV enables differentiated service offerings with interactive service capabilities to drive ARPU (Average Revenue Per Unit) and customer loyalty. [FierceWireless]
Recycled Handset Shipments to Exceed 100 Million Units in 2012
Shipments of recycled handsets (old handsets recycled for reuse) are expected to exceed 100 million units in 2012, according to a recent study from ABI Research. Shorter handset replacement periods, growing demand for low-cost handsets in emerging markets, regulatory requirements, and growing consumer awareness are key factors driving the market for recycled handsets.
ABI Research industry analyst Shailendra Pandey says, “Mobile phone recycling companies such as ReCellular, Fonebak, and Eazyfone are witnessing good market growth, but increasing consumer awareness and retrieving used handsets at affordable prices are still key challenges. Also, the ASP of used handsets falls rapidly, so these handsets need to be handled at the lowest possible cost to ensure decent margins on their resale.”
Handset vendors including Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and LG are concentrating more on designing and manufacturing mobile phones to ensure that they are easily recyclable and contain a minimum of hazardous elements. This is being complimented by the efforts of mobile operators, retailers, recycling companies, charities and various take-back schemes, resulting in more users starting to return their old, no longer used handsets for recycling.
ABI Research expects the market for recycled handsets to grow steadily in the next five years, generating over $3 billion in revenue in 2012. Having these handsets in their portfolios can help mobile operators and MVNOs in optimizing customer profitability by better management of subscriber acquisition costs. They can use recycled handsets to address low ARPU subscribers and use new expensive handsets to target the high ARPU customers.
ABI Research’s recent study "Handset Recycling and Refurbishment" focuses on the growing market for recycled and refurbished handsets and the associated opportunities and challenges for handset vendors, mobile operators, recycling companies and retailers. It discusses the high level business and marketing issues, and critical considerations for addressing this market. It also provides detailed shipments and revenue forecasts for recycled and refurbished handsets as well as ethical disposal of handsets from 2005 to 2012. [ABI Research]
Motorola and Intelleflex Partner in Extended Capability RFID
Motorola, Inc. today announced a strategic relationship between the RFID division of the Enterprise Mobility business, and Intelleflex, The Intelligent RFID Platform Company, to deliver best-in-class Extended Capability RFID solutions. The companies will undertake cooperative development activities, combining their respective technologies to create new product platforms to be offered by both companies, enabling each to deliver a powerful set of new RFID solutions to customers worldwide.
In addition, Motorola Ventures, the strategic venture capital arm of Motorola, invested in the Series C financing round in Intelleflex along with new investor Arcapita Ventures.
"Many of the most important emerging applications of RFID technology depend upon extended capability solutions, with features such as large user memory, long range operation, advanced security architectures, robust performance in difficult RF environments and sensors for environmental data capture of items like temperature exposure," commented Bob Sanders, vice president and general manager of Advanced Data Capture, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions.
"By delivering these types of solutions, we will be able to better serve our customers in markets like cold-chain distribution and asset tracking. We chose to partner with Intelleflex because they have established themselves as the technology leader in this product category," he added.
Over the past several years, RFID focus has shifted to closed loop applications, where individual business entities invest in technology to solution a targeted business problem. Many of these issues, such as high-value asset tracking, yard management, cold supply chain and parts maintenance require the features and performance of an extended capability RFID platform.
"We are very excited about new business opportunities that will be enabled as a result of this relationship," said Mike Lowry, President of Lowry Computer Products. "The combination of Motorola's RFID leadership and Intelleflex' breakthrough extended capability RFID technology is compelling. It will allow us to deliver powerful new solutions to our current and future customers in automotive, food and drug, electronics, government, healthcare and other industry sectors."
Motorola and Intelleflex have commenced joint development work that will result in the release of new extended capability RFID products, by both companies, in 2008. [WirelessIQ]
Motorola Enhances Chinese Music Portal - Motomusic
Motorola announced an upgrade of its Chinese online entertainment portal Motomusic, expanding its catalog to more than 100,000 music tracks as well as implementing new tools including playlist creation, buddy interaction, management and sharing.
Motorola is also introducing recommendations on music, mobile phones, music devices and companion products in addition to a tagging function that enables users to label any kind of content with text to improve sharing within the online community. Users may customize their own albums and cover art to share with the Motomusic community.
According to Motorola, the Motomusic site now encompasses content from more than 50 record labels-in the two years since its launch, the portal has generated over 700 million page views, with over a million tracks purchased.
"In the face of the changes that digitization has wrought on the music industry, we must work together to create new ways to experience the music we all love, ways that are relevant to the way Asians live today," said Motorola Asia Pacific Mobile Devices president Michael Tatelman in a prepared statement.
"Making that happen is going to take more than outstanding mobile devices--it demands that manufacturers, operators, artists, labels and service providers share a vision that recognizes that the future of music is mobile, and that we must make mobile music even better than the music experiences we grew up with," he added. [FierceMobileContent]
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