[AT&T announces popular artists will be recording exclusive tracks for the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack supporting U.S. Olympic Team athletes and will be available for download during the Olympic Games in August.]
San Antonio — AT&T Inc. today announced that several of today’s headlining artists — including 3 Doors Down, Army of Me, Colbie Caillat, Clique Girlz, Sheryl Crow, Flipsyde, Lady Antebellum, Mere, Nelly and Kate Voegele — will record exclusive tracks for the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack to inspire and support U.S. Olympic Team athletes as they pursue their dream of competing in the Olympic Games.
The music — debuting during the NBC and Telemundo broadcasts of the 2008 Olympic Games — will offer motivational songs for Team USA, youth, sports enthusiasts, music aficionados and U.S. Olympic Team fans across the country. The songs will be available for download only during the Olympic Games in August through AT&T MEdia(TM) Net on AT&T wireless phones and online at http://www.att.net. Consumers can also access music through NBCOlympics.com. The proceeds from the tracks will benefit Team USA. Other artists who will participate in the AT&T Team USA Soundtrack will be announced later.
“The Team USA Soundtrack really represents the spirit of the Olympic Games,” said Jamie Butcher, vice president of AT&T Brand Sponsorships. “Top musical artists are joining together to inspire and encourage Team USA, and fans have the opportunity to connect with and support athletes by downloading the soundtrack. It’s another terrific opportunity to show our support for these amazing athletes and demonstrate how AT&T is truly evolving into an entertainment brand.”
NBC will feature excerpts from the songs and music videos from certain artists in its Olympic Games coverage. NBC will promote the soundtrack through NBCOlympics.com and will point users back to ATT.net for purchase and download. AT&T wireless customers will also have the option to purchase ringtones and Answer Tones(SM) featuring the exclusive songs.
“The support we’re receiving from these artists and the fans is amazing,” said Michael Phelps, who won eight medals, including six gold medals, at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and will try to win as many as eight more in Beijing. “I know this soundtrack is something we will all be able to enjoy while we’re in Beijing and will help motivate us to compete at our very best.”
Gymnast Nastia Liukin said, “There’s nothing like training or performing to a great song, and it’s so exciting that these artists were willing to produce songs to encourage us at one of the largest competitions of our lives.” Liukin has won nine world championship medals and is expected to contend for the all-around gold medal in Beijing.
Sheryl Crow said, “It’s really inspiring to see world-class athletes compete and give their all at the Olympic Games. It’s my job as an artist to encourage others through music, and I’m honored to work to support Team USA through this soundtrack.”
Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down, said, “This was a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect fans to our music and support our athletes as they go for the gold. All of the artists coming together really shows just how meaningful the Olympic Games are.”
Today’s announcement is the latest move by AT&T to help U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes train and compete for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. AT&T is an official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team and provides significant financial support, products and services to the U.S. Olympic Committee.
AT&T will also serve as the official telecommunications services partner of the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. In addition to supporting USA Gymnastics and USA Swimming, the company serves as an official partner for several National Governing Bodies, including USA Track & Field and USA Diving.
The AT&T Team USA Soundtrack is an important part of AT&T’s mission to connect people with their world, everywhere they live and work, and do it better than anyone else. 2125
[HTC moves into competitive Korean handset market with the launch of the HTC Touch Dual in alliance with SK Telecom.]
Seoul, South Korea — HTC Corp. today announced its first entry into the advanced Korean market with the introduction of the HTC Touch Dual. Launched in exclusive alliance with the local carrier, SK Telecom, the HTC Touch Dual integrates HTC’s advanced intuitive TouchFLOâ„¢ technology and slide-out keypad in a compact design.
Offering one touch access to email, messages, contacts, pictures and more, the Touch Dual provides an uncompromising touch and keypad experience for easy and convenient dialing and messaging.
With the goal of appealing to a broad base of consumer targets, the slim and stylish Touch Dual is available for the first time anywhere in the world in a pearl white color.
Vice President of HTC Asia Jack Tong commented about the company’s goals for this launch. “HTC is excited to be entering the Korea market with the HTC Touch Dual. We want to tap into Korea’s high level of consumer sophistication by bringing in a portfolio of innovative phones that set new benchmarks for touch usage.”
SK Telecom’s Dae-hyun Chung also commented that “HTC’s Touch Dual has everything you need in a PC Phone and we’re proud to be able to offer it to consumers on our network. We are committed to providing our customers with more mobile choice and a range of innovative devices like the Touch Dual.”
The Microsoft Window Mobile 6.1 platform gives quick access to multitasking with MS Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. And the 3.5G HSDPA gives web browsing access anywhere at fast speeds. The domestic version is 3G ready, with a 2.0 Mega Pixel camera for shooting videos and a second camera to make video calls.
The Touch Dual Phone is available from SKT stores only and priced at approximately 500,000 Korean Won. Some consumers may be able to purchase it for less with certain subsidies and sales promotions.
Also, as part of today’s announcement, HTC will establish a Korean office and will be introducing additional devices later this year.
Key Product Specifications:
* TouchFLOâ„¢, a touch-screen technology that allows finger-touch access to the functionality used most.
* Slide-out 16-key keyboard for quick dialing, text messaging and e-mailing
* Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
* Microsoft Office Mobile and Outlook Mobile for working on documents and getting e-mail.
* Live HTC Homeâ„¢ featuring time and weather display, quick launcher, and one-touch ring-tone settings
* 2 megapixel camera for shooting photos/videos and a second camera for video calls
* Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) for international roaming and HSDPA (850/1600Mhz) connectivity 2125
[AT&T announces iPhone 3G pricing plans. Handset goes on sale July 11.]
Dallas, TX — AT&T Inc. today announced iPhone 3G pricing for new and existing AT&T customers, several attractive voice and data plans, and tips on how to be “iReady” when iPhone 3G goes on sale at AT&T retail stores at 8 a.m. local time on Friday, July 11.
“We can’t wait to offer iPhone 3G to our customers, and we want to make sure the buying process is as easy as possible,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T’s wireless unit. “Considering all the great new features of iPhone 3G, we think our pricing and monthly plans present a tremendous value for consumers and businesses alike.”
Pricing and Eligibility
AT&T is making it easy for customers to prepare for their iPhone 3G purchase by posting “Get iReady” tips and frequently asked questions at www.att.com/iphone. The site also will include a link for customers to check their upgrade eligibility and other wireless account information.
iPhone 3G will be available for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. These prices require two-year contracts and are available to the following customers:
* Phone customers who purchased before July 11 * Customers activating a new line with AT&T * Current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount
Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement. In the future, AT&T will offer a no-contract-required option for $599 (8GB) or $699 (16GB).
Current customers may also choose to wait until they become eligible for an upgrade discount. Eligibility is generally determined by amount of time remaining on a current contract and payment history.
Current AT&T customers who are upgrading to iPhone 3G will pay an $18 upgrade fee and new AT&T customers will pay the standard $36 activation fee.
Voice, Data and Text Messaging Plans
AT&T brings iPhone 3G customers the best coverage on the globe and the largest mobile-to-mobile calling community with unlimited calling to AT&T’s 71.4 million wireless customers. iPhone 3G customers can choose from four individual AT&T Nation plans, which bundle voice and unlimited data (e-mail and Web browsing).
* AT&T NationSM Unlimited: Includes unlimited Anytime Minutes for $129.99 a month.
* AT&T Nation 1350: Includes 1350 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $109.99 a month.
* AT&T Nation 900: Includes 900 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $89.99 a month.
* AT&T Nation 450: Includes 450 Anytime Minutes and 5,000 Night & Weekend Minutes for $69.99 a month.
All AT&T Nation and AT&T FamilyTalk® plans for iPhone 3G include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Three-Way Calling and Caller ID.
AT&T will offer FamilyTalk plans, with bundled voice and unlimited data, starting as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone 3G lines. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.
Unlimited text messaging can be added for an additional $20 ($30 for FamilyTalk plans of up to five lines); $15 (1,500 messages), or $5 (200 messages).
iPhone for Business
Business customers interested in iPhone 3G should contact an AT&T business sales representative or review their account information online to determine their eligibility for upgrade pricing. Corporate e-mail and other business applications require the Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone, which is $45 a month and bundled with an eligible voice plan. Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk, the industry’s only shared plan specifically for small businesses. Additional details on iPhone business offerings are available at www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.
iPhone 2.0 Software
All iPhone customers will benefit from the iPhone 2.0 software, which will be pre-loaded on all iPhone 3Gs and available as a free download for current iPhone customers. The new software will include numerous enhancements, such as business-class e-mail access via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync; the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK), which allows a business to easily create applications customized to its needs; and the App Store, which offers a wide-range of applications — from games to business, education to entertainment and productivity to social networking. For example, AT&T has developed YELLOWPAGES.COM Mobile for iPhone, which takes local mobile search to a new level by allowing users to discover businesses and local events based on their popularity among other iPhone users, get directions and access business reviews. 2125
[ABI Research releases new report stating the mid-range handset market will shrink and be overtaken by low-end and high-end models by 2013.]
New York — The most significant growth in wireless handset markets will occur at the top and bottom ends of the price and features range, as the smartphone and low-cost handset categories expand at the expense of the mid-range models commonly called “enhanced” phones. The enhanced phone sector is currently the largest in terms of shipments: 2007 saw 854 million units shipped. But it will be overtaken by both other classes in 2013, with just 441 million shipping.
According to ABI Research director Kevin Burden, “As we see more user sophistication and demand for high-end features, handset manufacturers will continue to push functions of high-level smartphone operating systems further down their product lines. Their smartphone portfolios will grow, and with them, the entire smartphone market.”
Operators want more smartphone users too, because they generate higher ARPU. And operators like phones with standard operating systems that are optimized for their content delivery platforms.
Meanwhile, driven by the huge emerging markets in countries such as China, India, and Brazil, the low-cost and ultra-low-cost handset categories are set to become the largest classes of mobile phones by 2013 in terms of shipments, though not in terms of revenue. “While the unit shipments of ultra-low-cost handsets will be dramatic over the forecast period, the device class is only expected to account for 6% of the market’s overall revenue,” notes Burden. “But vendors will continue to pursue these markets for the sake of brand-building and the prospect of eventual upward migration by users.”
Since no single mobile device will serve the needs of everyone, a number of other form factors will compete for users’ mobile computing cycles. In particular, MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices) and UMPCs (Ultra-mobile PCs) show promise for wider consumer acceptance. Prices will be moderate (eventually under $200 for many MIDs) and they’ll deliver a superior mobile Internet experience.
ABI Research’s “Mobile Devices Annual Market Overview” delivers an integrated view of the mobile devices market and examines the unique market aspects of individual device form factors, including mobile handsets, ultra mobile devices, broadband-enabled consumer electronics and cellular modems. From their market presence, technology, usage models and their unique value proposition to their target users, the report delivers in-depth analysis on the position each device class holds in the market. It includes detailed shipment and revenue forecasts. 212d
[GSA reports deployment of UMTS systems in the 900 MHz range results in better coverage both in terms of extended coverage in rural areas, as well as significantly improved indoor coverage, at much lower cost.]
The pace of commercialisation of UMTS 900 systems has quickened, according to a new Information Paper published by GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association.
The majority of 3G/UMTS i.e. WCDMA-HSPA systems deployments are in the 2100 MHz band (IMT-2000 core band), particularly in Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. Radio propagation path-loss at 900 MHz is much lower. Deployment of UMTS systems at this lower frequency band (UMTS 900) results in better coverage both in terms of extended coverage in rural areas, as well as significantly improved indoor coverage, at much lower cost. For the same service offering and coverage, the number of base station sites in the 900 MHz band can be reduced by 60% compared to that needed for 2100 MHz, and reduce rollout time. WCDMA-HSPA at 900 MHz can complement 2100 MHz deployments by improving coverage, reducing CAPEX, improving Quality of Service and the user experience.
GSA’s latest UMTS 900 Information Paper confirms that 3 UMTS 900 systems have entered commercial service, in Estonia, Finland and Thailand. Also, 6 manufacturers have launched 20 UMTS 900 user devices (compared to 7 devices announced by mid-April 2008), all of which support dual band HSPA 900/2100 MHz operation for seamless interworking on UMTS networks. All 20 devices support at least 3.6 Mbps peak HSDPA capability, and 7 devices support 7.2 Mbps peak. Fifteen UMTS 900 devices are mobile phones, plus 3 USB modems (“dongles”), 1 embedded module, and 1 PC datacard.
Several more UMTS 900 networks are in deployment, planned or under consideration in Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK.
Alan Hadden, President of GSA, said: “With UMTS 900, network operators can provide HSPA mobile broadband services in a very cost-efficient way. Now there is a substantial commitment and focus on UMTS 900 by network operators, infrastructure vendors and device suppliers, and we expect more service launches in the second half of this year.”
Use of the 900 MHz band in Europe is covered by the GSM Directive. Several countries are responding to a call by the European Commission for a more flexible approach to the use of these frequencies to permit their use for 3G/UMTS services. A similar approach is also being taken in other markets, including Asia Pacific and elsewhere.
The performance benefits and cost efficiencies are similar to what has been seen with WCDMA-HSPA systems operating at 850 MHz, which are widely available in the Americas and Australia.
The UMTS 900 Information Paper published by GSA is available as a free download at http://www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
ABOUT GSA
GSA represents leading GSM/3G suppliers worldwide, with over 80% of GSM/3G market share globally. GSA delivers authoritative facts, market intelligence, objective analysis and information used by over 50,000 professionals from 193 countries. 2128
[Caribbean operator Digicel selects Ericsson’s “energy-lean” network coverage for remote areas of Suriname.]
Ericsson’s pioneering solar-powered site solution has been selected by Digicel Group, the largest mobile telecommunications operator in the Caribbean, to provide energy-lean network coverage in remote areas of Suriname. The solution offers the market’s lowest energy consumption, helping reduce operating costs and environmental impact, and its deployment marks a first in South America.
The solution is based on Ericsson’s main remote GSM base station RBS 2111, which is one in a series of energy-optimized, innovative base stations from Ericsson. It has a smaller environmental footprint than a standard base station, consuming up to 50 percent less energy.
As part of the agreement, Ericsson will also supply MINI-LINK TN all-outdoor transmission, solar panels and battery back-up solutions. Ericsson will also be responsible for network deployment and systems integration.
Ericsson’s solar radio-site solution allows autonomous sites to be deployed in remote areas that have limited access to the electricity grid. It helps reduce total cost of ownership by cutting energy-related operating and maintenance costs. It also improves the environmental performance of mobile networks.
Mario Assaad, Chief Technology Officer for Digicel Group, says: “Ericsson’s energy-friendly solution will help lower operational expenditure and reduce environmental impact. By extending coverage in Suriname, we open the door to new revenue streams, giving subscribers access to services on the move, as well as providing communications to people in remote areas for the first time.”
Sergio Quiroga da Cunha, President of Ericsson in northern Latin America, says: “This deal marks an important milestone and we are proud to implement the first solar solution in South America. Energy efficiency is a key factor for network optimization: it helps lower total cost of ownership and enables operators to bring affordable communications to subscribers.”
This deployment follows a series of initiatives from Ericsson to optimize the energy efficiency of mobile networks by creating solutions that reduce environmental impact and lower operator costs. These initiatives include: GSM power-saving features; the Ericsson Tower Tube; biofuel-powered telecom sites; hybrid diesel/battery back-ups; and the Solar Village Charger, co-developed with Sony Ericsson. Ericsson delivered its first solar-powered sites in 2000 to Maroc Telecom, and has so far provided more than 200 sites in Africa and Southeast Asia. 212a
[Openmoko announces plans to make its Neo FreeRunner mobile device available beginning July 7. The device utilizes GNU/Linux and will be available in 850MHz or 900MHz tri-band GSM versions and features a 2.8″ VGA touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, two 3-axis motion sensors, 128MB WSDRAM and 246MB NAND Flash.]
Taipei, Taiwan — Openmoko, developer of the first open mobile computing platform today announced that on Friday, July 4, it will open the online store for purchase of the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner, a mobile device that the company says will help to enable ubiquitous computing for the 21st century. Shipping to customers will commence on July 7, 2008.
The Openmoko Neo FreeRunner utilizes GNU/Linux and comes with core software for dialing, SMS and recording contacts. Openmoko will supplement these features with periodic downloads beginning with a software suite that takes full advantage of the phone’s hardware platform. The new software, debuting at Linux world in August, will provide exciting new location based applications.
Two versions of the phone will be available: 850MHz or 900 MHz Tri-band GSM to match frequencies in different countries. Black, oval-shaped and weighing 6.5 ounces, the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner features a 2.8″ 480 x 640 VGA touchscreen, Wi-Fi (802.1 1b/g), AGPS, GPRS 2.5G, Bluetooth 2.0, two 3-axis motion sensors and comes with 128MB WSDRAM and 256MB NAND Flash.
Open Mobile Free
Openmoko frees developers from constraints of closed mobile architectures so they can apply the power of mobility and a flexible development platform to create mobile applications for specialized markets. Using the Openmoko mobile platform, the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) community and developers can create unique versions of the FreeRunner phone, modifying the way the phone operates and even the way it looks. CAD files publicly available under a Creative Commons license make it easy for industrial designers to change the appearance of the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner and select alternate materials and finishes to tailor the phone’s look and feel.
Distributors in the EU have already received shipments of the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner.
Openmoko will be at LinuxWorld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, August 5-7, 2008 in booth 1625 and in the Linux Garage Pavilion booth 1234 in the Moscone Center North Hall.
Pricing and availability
The Openmoko Neo FreeRunner has a suggested retail price of $399. Openmoko will sell the phone directly from it its webshop www.Openmoko.com and via distributors in the EU, India and North America. 212a
[Besides being available in new Chrysler models in 2009, Mopar will make ‘uconnect web’ - running over integrated 3G and 2.5G cell data networks - available in August as a dealer-installed accessory.]
Auburn Hills, MI — Mopar announced today that it will launch uconnect web(TM), Chrysler LLC’s in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge consumers in the U.S. uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, delivers continuous Internet connectivity to all vehicle passengers for entertainment and real-time information access on the go.
uconnect web will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar Accessory. Mopar is Chrysler LLC’s original equipment parts manufacturer and distributor.
The industry-first technology provides high-speed data transfer, combining WiFi and 3G connectivity. uconnect web transforms the vehicle into a mobile “hot spot,” delivering unlimited, reliable and uninterrupted Internet connectivity for all passengers in and around the vehicle. The “hot spot” connection radius is approximately 100 feet — making it convenient to access the Internet at a soccer field or family picnic.
Wherever cellular service is available, uconnect web enables all vehicle passengers to simultaneously connect with WiFi-enabled devices like a laptop, iPhone, Sony Playstation (PSP), PDA and more to:
– access the Internet for e-mail, chat and IM
– view streaming movies or television shows
– download music and download/upload images
– play online games
“Mopar’s uconnect web brings a new level of convenience and technology to our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles,” said Rob Richard, Director - Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “With uconnect web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected to the Internet. They can make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, surf Facebook, MySpace, Disney or Webkinz, watch the latest YouTube videos, upload photos to a Flickr account — all at the same time.”
“uconnect web goes beyond today’s DVD and GPS solutions, letting passengers extend their Internet lifestyle to the car,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile. “The Internet is the future of in-car entertainment. We’re delighted to be working with Chrysler LLC to deliver the first WiFi Internet access that lets families, business and leisure travelers stay connected.”
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449. Dealer installation is estimated at approximately $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available.
Run over integrated 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) cellular data networks, the router module with antenna hard-mounts in any vehicle. High-speed Internet access ranges from 400-800 Kbps/sec., with upload speeds averaging 400 Kbps/sec. The WiFi connection is secured with WEP encryption, MAC address restriction or WAN port restriction. Compatible with all operating systems supporting WiFi including Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris, no special software is required.
About Autonet Mobile
Autonet Mobile is the first wireless Internet service provider for vehicles. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated to enhancing the in-car experience, by bringing the power of the Internet to the 200+ million cars on the road in the U.S. Autonet Mobile currently provides Avis Rent a Car with the Avis Connect service and is used by Storm Chasers, NASCAR and others. For more information about Autonet Mobile visit www.autonetmobile.com. 2113
[Apple backs away from revenue-sharing model in China Mobile iPhone deal.]
Hong Kong — “Talks to bring Apple Inc’s iPhone to mainland China have cleared their biggest hurdle and are now focusing on practical issues, the country’s top mobile operator China Mobile Ltd said on Friday.”
[LG Dare features a 3″ touch-screen with handwriting recognition, 3.2 MP camera with face detection and photo editing.]
Basking Ridge, NJ — Verizon Wireless and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) today announced the highly-anticipated LG Dare(TM) is now available through Verizon Wireless’ online store. This summer’s must-have phone dares to be different with its bold looks and advanced capabilities — boasting a spacious three-inch touch-screen with handwriting recognition, a superior 3.2 megapixel camera with face detection and flash, and unique photo editing capabilities. The phone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City, on July 3.
The LG Dare’s touch-screen offers the optimal HTML Web browsing experience and runs on the nation’s most reliable wireless network to ensure a smooth and easy navigation experience. The touch-screen also supports handwriting recognition and tactile feedback so that customers can more easily select their options on the phone. The phone’s camera has a Schneider-Kreuznach certified lens for outstanding image quality, and the camera offers advanced features, such as face detection and an LED flash so customers can take enhanced-quality photos from their mobile phones. Additionally, customers can use the photo editing tool to personalize their digital photos with features that include borders and landscapes, and they can draw on their pictures directly on the screen using their fingertips.
Additional features and capabilities of LG Dare include:
– V CAST Music-capable — access more than 3 million full-length songs from well-known and independent artists that can be purchased and downloaded over-the-air directly to the phone
– Music Player for .mp3, .wma, unprotected .aac, and unprotected .aac+ files
– microSD(TM) card memory port — with up to 8 GB support with an optional memory card
– USB Mass Storage — transfer files between microSD card and PC
– 3.2 Megapixel Camera and Camcorder
– Schneider-Kreuznach certified lens for optimal picture quality
– Camera Resolutions: 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 pixels
– SmartPic technology and manual ISO adjustment for improved image quality
– Face Detection — detects a face when taking a picture
– Panorama, split shot and frame camera settings
– Scene Mode — automatically makes adjustments to camera settings for improved quality in different environments
– Zoom: up to 2x
– Image Editor — zoom, rotate, crop, add frames and icons and write over images
– Video Resolutions: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 176 x 144 pixels
– Video Recording Speed: up to 120 frames per second for slow video playback
– Video Recording Time: 30 seconds (for sending); up to 1 hour (for saving) depending on memory
– Video Player for WMV, MP4, 3GP, 3G2 formats
– Customizable brightness, white balance, shutter sound, color effects, night and preview mode, photometry, self-timer
– Bluetooth® Version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
– Listen to music with optional stereo Bluetooth headset
– Send all contacts and calendar events via Bluetooth
– Print and send customer-generated pictures (JPEG) via Bluetooth
– Save up to 20 Bluetooth pairings
– Supported Profiles: headset, hands-free car kits, dial-up networking, stereo Bluetooth, phone book access, basic printing, object push for vCard and vCalendar, file transfer, basic imaging, human interface device
– One-touch speakerphone
– Speaker-independent voice commands
– Voice Recording: 1 minute or 1 hour (standby)
– Music ringer support (clips from hit songs)
– HTML Web browsing with touch navigation and favorites
– Text, picture, video messaging-capable
– Mobile Email — access MSN® Hotmail®, America Online® and Yahoo!® accounts to exchange e-mail
– Mobile IM capabilities
– VZ Navigator(SM)-capable — get visual and audible directions to thousands of destinations, locate businesses and other points of interest, get maps of a location, and share directions with others
– Phone Book with 1,000 contacts: each contact entry stores five numbers, two e-mail addresses and a Picture ID
– FOTA-capable — upgrade firmware over-the-air
– Favorites — add up to nine contacts with Picture ID
The Dare is available for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. 211d
