Summer of smartphones.

Apple has released just in time for WWDC Developers Conference a new version of the iPhone presented. But this is only the beginning: In the coming weeks and months there will be smartphones rain.

 

Truly ground-breaking innovations, the new iPhone 3G S not to offer. It is faster, of course, but on the performance there were hardly any complaints. It can now record videos, shoot some better photos and has a compass chip installed. Moreover, it is now controlled by language, knows the Copy and Paste commands, and can finally send MMS messages and as a mobile modem on your notebook can be used.

Whether the latter also features the German iPhone partner T-Mobile can use on Monday night was still unclear. Meanwhile, a company spokesman confirmed blogs ONLINE: Yes, MMS will be in the German network can use. Depending on the contract are different quotas such multimedia messages included in the basic price. Any additional MMS should be charged 0.39 euro.

Also, the modem function, the so-called "Tethering", T-Mobile support. There is, however, a separate fee, similar to what the group already in the Internet telephony (VoIP) networks in its handling. Exact prices for this are still not fixed.

The rise will cost extra

It is clear what the future iPhone will cost: The high-end version with 32 GB of memory is in the cheapest fare (Complete XS, 25 euros per month) 250 euros. In the most expensive tariff (Complete L, 120 euros per month), it is almost a gift euro. S 3G iPhone with 16 GB will cost about half, so a maximum of 130 euros, while the price for the more recent iPhone 3G with 8GB to a maximum of 60 euro is lowered.

If you are already a 3G iPhone have in place before buying the new model, however, exactly as expected. Although there is the possibility of 3G on the 3G upgrade S, but T-Mobile wants to unconfirmed but reported to be 25 euros per month for the remaining term of the contract still in force calculated. So, for example, even twelve months of his contract iPhone is bound to pay for the transition 300 euros extra.

But that is probably not necessary, because many of the new iPhone features you will encounter the iPhones of the first and second generation can use. The corresponding update is on 17 Of June are available - free of charge.

But who still has no iPhone, only with the purchase of a new mobile phone with touch screen, internet connectivity and multimedia features toying should not hastily go shopping. Finally, other parents have beautiful daughters. Should read: Much of what the iPhone 3G is S, other smartphones, too.

Even Nokia, Research in Motion (RIM), Samsung and all the others have new smartphones in the pipeline. Many of them will be in the next few weeks on the market, at least one of which already exist. One thing is for sure but in any case that it is a mobile hot summer. The mobile phone giants and their smaller competitors are dealing with spectacular announcements are trying to beat.

Read the following pages all about the mobile phone highlights of the summer. blogs ONLINE, the main iPhone followers gathered.

Apple iPhone pimpt.

More speed, better camera with video function, a built-in compass: Apple presents its new iPhone 3G S ". For all owners of the phone also has a new operating system that has many features that rival far dominate - even copy & paste.

 

Hamburg - 3G iPhone was the previous version - now depends Apple an S for "Speed" on it. Many frequently used functions should be at least twice run faster. Otherwise, there are mainly the features you can from other mobile phones already familiar: a high-resolution camera that can record video, a battery that runs longer than before, and a voice control.

In addition, the new edition of the multimedia cell phones have built a compass. The digital street maps of the "Maps" application is one which helps automatically in the right direction can rotate. Aufgebohrt was also previously abundant rudimentary camera. The resolution of the autofocus camera is now three megapixels, the focus can be via pointer on the preview image are sharp. In addition, you can now also videos in VGA resolution with sound are recorded.

The S is also 3G with various voice commands around - and not just on call to make calls, but also the built music player control. When asked about the iPhone, especially for what music is playing, answering the phone and gives title and artist of. The duration of the device with a built-in battery should be firmly based on up to five hours talk time in 3G network, or up to nine hours in total wireless internet - extra three hours Internet use Apple promises so its customers. Fast is also the connection, if the provider plays HSDPA is now running at 7.2 megabits per second, so far, there were 3.6.

The 16-gigabyte device will cost $ 199, the 32-gigabyte version $ 299. The old 8-gigabyte iPhone for $ 99 will be available. The publication in the U.S., Germany and six other countries for 19 Announced in June, and August, the new device in 80 states available.

At the developer conference in San Francisco was the next version of the iPhone operating system presents. In the third edition provides Apple now functions under the iPhone rivals dominate long: Copy & paste is below, including MMS. New is also a feature that allows the iPhone's internet connection via USB or Bluetooth with other devices can share, without any additional software. How to Mac and PC The "Tethering" must, however, by the mobile operators are supported.

With the new operating system is the iPhone for full navigation system: The system known TomTom now runs on Apple's pocket computer, computer voice included. In the trade sector also an enhancement that enables the iPhone to the windshield of a car makes paperboard and it is still more accurate GPS data for locating receives.

Cheaper mobile roaming tariffs in the EU.

The call from holiday this summer will be cheaper: According to the EU Parliament on Monday, the Consumer Minister new ceilings for mobile phone calls within the EU approved. And this is not the end: In the coming years, the prices continue to fall.

 

Luxembourg - Just in time for the holiday season will be mobile phone calls and text messages abroad cheaper. From 1 July calls from cell phones may be a maximum of 43 cents per minute instead of 46 cent as hitherto. The cost for receiving calls are from 22 to 19 cents reduced. That is a decision by the EU consumer ministers on Monday before. The step comes as no surprise, because in April, the EU Parliament approved the compromise.

DPA
Holiday call: Cell phone calls within the EU are getting cheaper

From July 2010 to apply maximum fares of 39 cents for calls and 15 cents for receiving calls. A year later, the ceiling at 35 cents and 11 cents reduced. SMS text messages in other EU countries may be from 1 July maximum of 11 cents cost. Currently they cost about 29 cents, in some countries even up to 80 cents. The EU Commission estimates that the cost of the so-called roaming around up to 60 percent could.

For data transfers from one EU country to another, the ceiling of one euro per megabyte. From July 2010 apply to 80 cents and 2011 then 50 cents (plus VAT).

Consumers can agree that the connection from a certain amount is automatically disconnected. This is to "shock bills" should be avoided. Furthermore, discussions following the first half minute seconds basis.

Since July 2007, a "Euro Tariff" for mobile phone conversations, the ceilings for the so-called roaming charges provided. These are the tariffs, the telecom providers charge each other when their customers make calls abroad or write an SMS. The new regulation will apply until the end of June 2012.

What is Apple's new iPhone.

It will be able to have a cost and that the speculation about Apple's new iPhone thrive for weeks now, the idea of mobile phones is expected for today. Whether the new cult device actually made his debut will be is unclear - what is it is not.

 

Today, a new Apple iPhone, as are (almost) all agree. At
Macmagazin.de for example, says marketing chief Phil Schiller will "- that much is sure - to announce a new iPhone." The justification for this assumption, however, is thin. Telecom employees were already in place for an introduction on 19 Been trained in June, T-Mobile try to remaining stocks of the current iPhone 3G poised to bargain prices - in combination with matching mobile phone contracts.

For T-Mobile in the Netherlands had already activated the new iPhone data appeared. "iPhone 2009" should be hot, with storage capacities of up to 32 GB in black and white will be shipped. And even from a cheap iPhone with only 4 GB of memory to some rumors have already experienced cooks. $ 149 it cost, a kind of folk his iPhone.

So far, however, is only so much clear: A Milestone, as the first iPhone, the new model will be difficult. In the second edition, the iPhone 3G, one could still have a faster Internet connection via UMTS and HSDPA are delighted that one, however, with a cheap plastic back instead of the previously used metal had bought back part. The model is now expected, it in turn to evolution rather than revolution act.

In the center of the opening speech, the keynote, the marketing chief Phil Schiller tonight in the Moscone Center West in San Francisco will hold, something else will stand. Apple's future operating system Mac OS X, Snow Leopard. Its publication has already been announced for the summer, must be forthcoming shortly, already Microsoft's Windows 7 pre-empt.

Read the following pages: Highlights of the new iPhone, which the new mobile software, and whether Steve Jobs will indeed come.

Palms risky game with the Pre.

Saturday is the Palm Day: In the U.S. at the weekend is the new smartphone in the U.S. producer in the sale. Critics give the device high marks, fans eagerly wait for it. The success is still not secured.

 

San Francisco - Just over a year ago, some experts have hardly anything left on the pocket computer pioneer Palm to. The computer-phones from the Palm Treo series were at that time with modern smartphones like the iPhone, Apple does not keep pace.

And the big announcement
Foleo project for a new ultra-mobile PC in the autumn of 2007 was again stopped. Now Palm prove that the legendary company to product successes, such as the PalmPilot, the first "personal digital assistant (PDA) for the masses, can once again pick up. Together with the U.S. mobile provider Sprint Nextel launched the company in California this Saturday (June 6) the marketing of the smartphone Palm Pre.

Behind the design of the Pre is Jon Rubinstein, who was previously at Apple in the development of the iPod music player was responsible. For the development of pre Rubinstein canvassed some 250 experts mainly from Apple and other Silicon Valley companies. With this team, he wanted an Internet mobile phone design, which makes it not only with the iPhone or the new Google mobile phone record, but the models in some areas also have to be taken. Funding will be the last burst of Palm from venture capitalists Elevation Partners, in July 2007 more than 300 million U.S. dollars into the ailing company invested.

Integration of Social Networks

The result can be clearly seen: Known IT journalists in the U.S. such as David Pogue of the New York Times "or Walter Mossberg from the Wall Street Journal was the Palm before pre launch test and distribute good marks. "The Palm is a spectacular success. From zero to a hundred in the first version," writes Pogue. Mossberg looks at the pre an "intelligent and sophisticated product that will appeal especially those who (for a smartphone) want a physical keyboard."

Unlike the iPhone, the Palm is not only pre on a virtual keyboard, with the large number of recorders can not be friends. Furthermore, the pre run multiple programs simultaneously, resulting in the iPhone it is not possible.

Furthermore, the Palm Pre scores with a successful integration of social networks like Facebook or web services like Google Calendar.

Europe must wait again

Whether the Palm Pre laurels after the advance of the critics also a major sales success, is still out. For one can not pre anywhere with the iPhone to keep up. Since the Palm software developers only an extremely short lead time has to be the launch of the Pre little add-on programs available.

For the Apple cellphone, however, are now in the iTunes store more than 40,000 "Apps" are offered. Extensive games from the iTunes bestseller list, it will be for the Palm do not pre enter, since the Palm device for grafiklastige programs is not suitable.

The Sprint Nextel in the U.S. offered Pre Palm is outside the U.S. can hardly be used because it is based on the U.S. CDMA mobile standard running. A variant for Europe (GSM / UMTS) Palm has at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. For Germany, however, has neither a start date nor the partner for the mobile market announced.

Apple could make trouble

Palm also inconvenience threatens foes from Apple. Two days after the launch of Apple's pre gathered on Monday in San Francisco software developer for the World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC). There could be Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller a new version of the iPhone imagine the Palm Pre immediately from the wind takes the sails.

In addition, Palm Apple to take legal action. The Palm Pre used not only by Apple's patented multi-touch technology "to control the smartphone with multiple fingers. A week ago Palm announced a surprise, precisely
the iTunes software from Apple to have chosen to download music tracks, videos and photos between a computer and the Palm Pre exchange. Thus the comparison between the pre and iTunes works, camouflages the Palm device technically seen as a music player from Apple. And how it works, knows the former iPod product manager Jon Rubinstein only too well.

Sony Ericsson painted with watercolors.

Mobile phone manufacturer Sony Ericsson has always had a green logo. Now, with years of delay compared to the rest of the industry, the group tries to get a matching green zuzulegen image - but is only moderately ambitious to work.

 

With two new phones, the Group intends to implement its goal, "the ecological footprint of the company to reduce." The German translation is slightly stupid-sounding phrase stands for the environmental damage caused by an activity occurring - from the mobile phone production to barbecue at the weekend. A large "footprint" stands for large loads and the environment is a matter for the image not at all good. The race for small footprints is part of the industry-wide competition. Now Sony Ericsson is also part of it - a Spätstart.

Only in September 2008 Sony Ericsson had the goal postulated to be a green future, and will now begin with the implementation. Very radical but it will probably not proceed: Until 2015, the CO2 balance of Sony Ericsson mobile phones by 15 percent.

How protects the environment while saving, Sony Ericsson wants its customers to show that they will no longer be bothered with printed manuals will be. Their task will be, at least for two on Thursday introduced mobile phones, electronic, pre-loaded on the mobile phone manuals assume. The paper consumption would be reduced by 90 percent, says the manufacturer. That is certainly true, but holds pitfalls - such as when the battery is empty or someone with the user needs exactly why, because he deals with mobile phones really do not know.

By eliminating the paper inserts can however also be smaller packaging. On this rotation is also Nokia have come - in a while. The waiver of packing material improves not only the LCA, but also the profit margin. Finally, smaller packages cost less, can be shipped cheaper. In addition to the environment also seems to be Sony Ericsson from the savings benefit.

Water color and recycled plastic

In addition to such cost-cutting measures, however, there is also real environmental improvements. Thus, the new model C901 Green Heart with a water color and painted with a headset that you almost completely from recycled plastic is produced. The model presented simultaneously Nait is opposed by a particularly economical charger.

Both phones is common, according to Sony Ericsson that their housing about half from recycled plastic. Furthermore, a very sensitive light sensor, the brightness of the display particularly sensitive to the ambient light and adjust as helping to save energy.

Apart from these changes and eco-supplied applications such as a CO2 calculator, it is two devices in order to completely normal mobile phones. While the Nait with its price of 159 euros apparently little more to users, is intended to the C901 Green Heart, with its 5-megapixel camera with xenon flash mobile photographers seem to address. Very interesting is the choice of storage media: When C901 is Sony's Memory Stick Micro for use, the cheaper Nait uses the Sony Ericsson long spurned microSD cards.

Good is not good enough

The idea of mobile phones more environmentally friendly, is quite understandable and encouraged. Just as Sony Ericsson is trying to take out, but remains the bland taste that only the bare minimum has been done. If it is an economical power supply, why are not all equipment delivered? And when a method has developed, environmentally friendly paints to use, then why not the same as in the manufacture of all products?

ON TO ONLINE blogs

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Maybe because it is enough to set itself to achieve objectives. Total is supported by the innovations in both products' CO2 emissions by 15 percent, "reads a press release. This is sometimes good, is still half-heartedly. Perhaps we should simply aim to savings of 15 percent CO2 and revise rephrased into "as much as possible."

Sony Ericsson would have at least the eco-balance the nose before Nokia. The Finns have it that even with a mobile eco-tries, but the first model, the Evolve 3110, stuck. Also because there is pent-up demand.

Phones are used for electrical wallet.

Soon, phones could be credit cards as a cashless payment replaced. Simple, cheap and fast payment will be via phone - when there are so-called Mobile Payment not a few practice problems.

 

Berlin - Every second German hopes, with the mobile phone is not only, but also pay them. The scientists at the University of Augsburg found. "Consumers want it and do not understand why it still does not work," says the head of the Research wi-mobile at the University of Augsburg, Key Pousttchi. It would be so handy in a vending machine, or in a taxi at the supermarket checkout only to the mobile zücken and all payments from one hand to do.

Trial of a Dutch supermarket chain in any case governed by the Mobile Payment been enthusiastic, says Pousttchi. In this experiment, however, have to work, so far only a few mobile payment methods offered: "You held the phone to a station at the box office, it made 'Beep' and that's it," says the scientist.

Ease of use is for the customers of A and O, because there are already other payment methods, whether in cash or by credit card. "Since M-Payment must at least be easier or nicer to use. If you click here, and yet there's something to select, the procedure is dead," he knows from experience with other experiments.

How can you make money?

It would be too cumbersome, for example, at the box office only an SMS reply to the merchant and the payment trigger. Again, this possibility has already been tested, but could not be enforced.

When payment is only for the SMS mobile services like ring tones in use. One reason is that all payments to these so-called Premium SMS-third of the money to the mobile operator, and another third is still often to other service providers, which the payments.

Reason for the slow deployment of mobile payment is Pousttchi according to the complexity of the technology. You will still underestimated. Difficult is the business itself: How can one with M-payment money? And how will the security be ensured? Which procedure is the best and who will introduce it? Of the few suppliers of mobile payment methods, two at the beginning of this year: Crandy - a word created from credit and cell phone - and LUUP. This company made the sending of money between individuals possible.

"NFC is the future"

At the moment exists only MPASS, a system for customers of Vodafone and O2, which is based on the payments in the Internet is limited, and "Call & flexible pay" from the telecoms, with the machines can be paid. Success is a promising technology, which is also the Dutch supermarket was trying to basically says Pousttchi. It is based on wireless technology RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). An RFID chip in a piece of clothing could be the price of the phone display and send a payment request. RFID implementation for mobile is close-range communication (NFC, Near Field Communication) called.

RFID and NFC

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. An RFID system consists of a transponder, the incoming radio signals and answer to an object is located. Moreover, a reader of them. The transponder can be as small as a grain of rice.

The implementation of RFID for mobile is a Near Field Communication (NFC) refers. This is a transmission standard for contactless exchange of data over very short distances. It was developed by Philips and Sony. With an NFC mobile consumers will be comfortable and cashless ticketing, for example, by touching or solve a so-called tags, information from a poster on their phone can.

ddp

"In three years there will be no new phones without NFC give" expected Pousttchi. "What mobile payment at close range, it is the future of NFC." With an NFC mobile phone of Nokia, for example, were customers of the Rhine-Main transport association in a pilot project by touching a stop on the radio chips attached information and ticket purchase.

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How long it will take to the Mobile Payment prevails, depends on the behavior of participants, says Key Pousttchi. Still, it would be possible with a really good method to market quickly aufzurollen ". If this does not happen, American corporations could win the race, just as in the credit card was. In the Netherlands in any event, every second customer specified, for a mobile phone with mobile payment function, the network provider to another. Actually an unbeatable argument in the hotly competitive mobile market.