Vringo bets on video ringtones (America's Network)

The startup proposes video sharing on mobile handsets?already, Universal Music Group is on board

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

UIGEA Pummels Poker (Online Poker News)

UIGEA has hit the poker industry as well. It remains to be seen whether people will continue to play poker online, if the persecution of the DoJ continues.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Nokia Stalks Apple, Shares Rise (Forbes)

Investors and analysts react positively to the Finns' latest online venture.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Nokia barges into mobile services (ZDNet Asia)

The Finnish company is launching Ovi, an online marketplace of content such as music, photos and maps.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

BEYOND THE SLOTS (Colorado Springs Gazette)

After Cripple Creek legalized gambling in 1991, it became all about slot machines and poker. But now that a new Heritage Center has opened, gambling has taken a back seat to history, community and culture.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Home Surveillance Live from Your Mobile Phone

The rise of terrorism and local crime rates in many areas around the globe further heightened the need for homeowners to buy home security devices. Now there is a way to monitor your home via mobile phones or PDA with...

Continue.



Read More...

[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC) Is Not Sexy - Part 3

In a previous post I've given a broad overview of a 3GPP release 7 work item called "Continuous Packet Connectivity" (CPC).This feature or rather this set of features aim to improve userexperience by enhancing battery lifetime, reaction time after idletimes and to increase network bandwidth in situations with manysimultaneous voice over IP and other real time service users. Ratherthan introducing a bold new concept, CPC very much works "under thehood" by improving functions that are already present. Part 2 of this mini series has started to look at a first set of features and this part now finishes by looking at the remaining ones:

Discontinuous reception (DRX) in Downlink at the UE (based on section 4.5 of 3GPP TR 25.903):

While a mobile is in activate high speed (HSDPA) mode it has to monitor one or more high speed shared control channels (HS-SCCH) to see when packets are delivered to it on the high speed shared channels. This monitoring is continuous, i.e. the receiver can never be switched off.

For situations when no data is transmitted or the average data transfer rate is much lower than what could be delivered over the high speed shared channels, the base station can instruct the mobile to only listen to selected slots of the shared control channel. The slots which the mobile does not have to observe are aligned as much as possible with the uplink control channel gating (switch off) times. Thus there will be times when the terminal can power down the transmitter unit to conserve energy.

Once more data arrives from the network than what can be delivered with the selected DRX cycle the DRX mode is switched off again and the network can once again schedule data in the downlink continuously.

HS-SCCH-less operation which includes an HS-SCCH less initial transmission  (based on section 4.7 and 4.8 of TR 25.903):

This feature is not intended to improve battery performance but to increase the number of simultaneous real time VoIP users in the network.

VoIP service e.g. via IMS requires relatively little bandwidth per user and thus the number of simultaneous users can be high. On the radio link, however, each connection has a certain signaling overhead. Thus, more users mean more signaling overhead which decreases overall available bandwidth for user data. In the case of HSDPA, the main signaling resources are the high speed shared control channels (HS-SCCH). The more active users, the more they proportionally require of the available bandwidth.

HS-SCCH-less operation aims at reducing this overhead. For real time users which require only limited bandwidth, the network can schedule data on high speed downlink channels without prior announcements for the terminal on a shared control channel. This is done as follows: The network instructs the mobile not only to listen to the HS-SCCH but in addition to all packets being transmitted on one of the high speed downlink shared channels. The terminal then attempts to blindly decode all packets received on that shared channel. To make blind decoding easier, packets which are not announced on a shared control channel can only have one of four transmission formats (number of data bits) and are always modulated using QPSK. These restrictions are not an issue for performance since HS-SCCH-less operation is only intended for low bandwidth real time services.

The checksum of a packet is additionally used to identify for which terminal the packet is intended for. This is done by using the terminals MAC address as an input parameter for the checksum algorithm in addition to the data bits. If the terminal can decode a packet correctly and if it can reconstruct the checksum the packet is intended for the terminal. If the checksum does not match then either the packet is intended for a different terminal or a transmission error has occurred. In both cases the packet is discarded.

In case of a transmission error the packet is automatically retransmitted since the terminal did not send an acknowledgement (HARQ ACK). Retransmissions are announced on the shared control channel which requires additional resources but should not happen frequently as most packets should be delivered properly on the first attempt.

And for more on HSDPA and HSUPA

I hope that this introduction to Continuous Packet Connectivity (CPC) answers more questions than it raises. In case some fundamental things remain unclear consider taking a look at my book on mobile communication systems which covers HSDPA and HSUPA from the ground up.

Read More...

[Source: Martin's Mobile Technology Page]

Mobile Music Achievers Honoured (Scoop.co.nz)

Top local and international musicians were recognised for their achievements in the mobile music market last night (29 August) at the Telecom Mobile Music Awards.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Crisp Wireless Extends Local Content Strategy with Gannett, Bringing Local Newspapers, TV Stations onto Mobile Devices (Broadcast Newsroom)

NEW YORK, BUSINESS WIRE -- Crisp Wireless, a mobile technology solutions and services company, announced today that it has extended its partnership with Gannett Co., Inc by powering mobile websites for more than 30 of Gannett's local newspaper and television properties.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Poker room fills the room (The Florida Times-Union)

About half of them wore T-shirts that read, "Poker Room = Jobs."

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Nokia Barges into Mobile Services (BusinessWeek)

Ever since the mobile-phone powerhouse started the ringtone fad, it has been seeking a way to extend its reach. The new Ovi service is a marketplace of content

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Lost opportunities from SMS Messaging Reach $4.9 B Each Year

Despite the popularity of SMS or text messaging particularly among the younger generation, its revenue potential for mobile operators is not fully maximized. About $4.9 billion per year is the estimated lost opportunities for mobile operators, according to a research...

Continue.



Read More...

[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Web gambling firm ravaged by US ban (Guardian Unlimited)

PartyGaming revenues drop 70% in first quarter after Congress ruling.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

UPDATE: PartyGaming Shares Bounce Off Lows On Customer Growth (Nasdaq)

LONDON (Dow Jones) -- Shares in online poker and casino operator PartyGaming bounced off record lows Wednesday after a sharp rise in new customers helped it beat earnings expectations, though it swung to an overall net loss due to the U.S. crackdown on Internet gambling.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

PartyGaming says confident on prospects (Reuters.co.uk)

LONDON (Reuters) - Online gambling firm PartyGaming reported first half earnings in line with previously lowered expectations, and said it was continuing talks with U.S. authorities following a crackdown on gambling there.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Presidential Elections - A Vote on Online Gambling (Online Casino Reports)

As party Presidential candidates are heading towards the peak of their campaigns, about to enter the primary elections in the different states across the US; at this stage of the Presidential elections, a little over a year until the due date and a good year into the race, online gambling becomes a main issue on candidates' and voters' minds.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Distributive Networks and SinglePoint Report on Success of Obama Campaign Mobile Tool Application (PR Newswire via Yahoo! News)

Distributive Networks has launched the latest version of its mobile messaging platform, which is being leveraged successfully by Senator Obama's presidential campaign to provide its supporters with innovative mobile content and communications. Within just five days of the launch of Obama Mobile, supporters from every state in the union had participated via their mobile devices, according to ...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Accused: 'I don't get no respect' (Toronto Sun)

Alleged illegal gambling den-keeper shows his sense of humour to police after fourth raid

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

PartyGaming says confident on prospects (Reuters via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)

Online gambling company PartyGaming said it was confident about its prospects for the full-year after first-half figures on Wednesday showed higher core earnings for continuing operations.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

7 arrested after police raid alleged gambling houses (CTV.ca)

Police have charged seven people with "keeping a common gaming house," after raiding several suspected illegal gambling operations in Mississauga.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

PartyGaming says confident on prospects (Interactive Investor)

Business Finance and city news online from Interactive Investor (www.iii.co.uk). Plus financial and currency market news and information 24/7. Stock prices, share prices, currency markets news and business finance headlines. Also news from AFX and Reuters.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Teen Drivers: Time to Say Goodbye to Cellphones

The rising number of accidents caused by using mobile phones while driving plus several studies claiming teenagers as the most distracted drivers paved the way for the state Assembly to garner a 62-5 vote in favor of prohibiting teenagers under...

Continue.



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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Is Second Life Even worth Gambling In? (Online Poker News)

Businesses must evaluate the risks involved before they blindly fly their commercial avatars into virtual worlds such as Second Life, warns the research house Gartner.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

OCZ Technology announces MicroSD Flash cards and adaptors (Press Release) (Addict 3D)

OCZ Technology Group today introduced 1GB and 2GB microSD cards and adaptor kits to their diverse flash memory series. Making use of the extensive multimedia capabilities of mobile phones and PDAs, OCZ microSD cards are the convenient storage solution for pictures, music, ringtones, and...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Bluetooth Gets A Major Security Overhaul In Version 2.1

The Bluetooth Special Interest group has recently published version 2.1 of their specification. While the press mostly writes about the new easy pairing mechanisms, 2.1 contains a complete security overhaul.

It looks like this has become quite necessary since two attacks are now known that can break the security of the pairing process. While encrypted Bluetooth transmissions are still secure, intercepting the initial pairing sequence allows a passive attacker that just collects packets to compute the PIN used by both devices. A further attack for which specialized equipment is required can force a Bluetooth device into re-pairing so an attacker does not have to be present during the initial pairing. In practice, re-pairing means entering the PIN again. Users thus do get a warning when somebody tries such an attack.

BT 2.1 changes the pairing process fundamentally and now offers the following modes in what the standard referrs to as "Secure Simple Paring":

Numeric Comparison Protocol: The major difference of this pairing scheme compared to what has been done before is that instead of a PIN, a pair of public/private keys is used by each device together with the Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman one way cryptography algorithm. Each device sends its public key to the other side which then uses it to encrypt a secret to be returned. Once the encrypted secret is received, it is decrypted by using the private key. The encryption/decryption only works one way so an attacker intercepting the communication cannot decrypt the secret and thus cannot generate the link keys that identify the devices later on. This kind of authentication and ciphering key generation is very similar to what is done today to protect web pages with SSL/TLS and certificates. To protect against a man in the middle attack the pairing procedure then continues and a 6 digit number is then calculated on both sides and shown to the user. The 6 digit number will only be identical on both sides if the conversation has not been tampered and hence ensures that no third device has intercepted and modified the pairing messages. (Note that a man in the middle attack is not possible in SSL/TLS since it uses a certificate authority and trusted certificates in the browser)

Just Works Protocol: The same as the Numeric Comparison Protocol described above but the 6 digit number calculation process is skipped. While offering no protection against an active man in the middle attack some devices do not have a display to show a 6 digit number. Thus, such a pairing should only be performed when the user can be reasonably certain that no attacker can be close by. The encryption whenever a connection is established later on, however, is not impacted by this weakness and thus even this protocol offers enough protection for most applications. It's also important to point out that the attacker has to be present each time the two devices start to communicate with each other as otherwise the connection establishment will fail.

Passkey Protocol: In this protocol a passkey (PIN) which has been entered by the user in both devices is used just as in the original Bluetooth specification. The way the PIN is used during the pairing process, however, is fundamentally different. Again public/private key pairs and random numbers are used by each device to generate the link keys. The PIN is just used to  prevent a man in the middle attack as follows: For each bit a commitment message is generated by both devices by using a one way algorithm that takes the public keys of both sides, a random number generated individually by each side and the bit of the PIN to be committed as input parameters. Afterwards the commitments are exchanged between the devices. Once this is done, device A then sends the random number it has used to generate the commitment. This allows device B to verify that the commitment message was not tampered with. If the message was correct, device B sends its random number to device A so it can also check that the message was correct. For the following bit the order in which the random numbers are exchanged is reversed, i.e. device B has to send the random number first. A device in the middle can thus not forge commitments since it does not know the PIN and the random numbers are only exchanged after the commitment. Since commitments are given in an alternating fashion a device in the middle can only get one bit of the PIN from each side before it has to start guessing the value of the bit.

Out Of Band Protocol: And finally, Bluetooth 2.1 also allows using out of band exchange of security information such as via NFC (Near Field Communication) during the pairing process. This makes things even easier and more secure by only requiring two devices to come very close during the paging process. Both active and passive NFC is supported. In active mode, the NFC device is connected to the Bluetooth chip and can both transmit and receive authentication information. Some devices such as headsets do not have room for the extra NFC hardware. In such a case a passive NFC tag is used which could be attached to the manual or the box of the device. Pairing is then initiated by a device with an active NFC component which is held close to a passive NFC tag. The passive NFC tag then transmits all information required to start the pairing process.

Here are some links for the technical deep-dive:

• Bluetooth Pairing Attack Description
• Bluetooth SIG announces 2.1+EDR
• A video of the new pairing process with NFC
• Link to the Bluetooth 2.1 specification to download
• Link to a paper describing the new pairing process

Read More...

[Source: Martin's Mobile Technology Page]

MyxerTones(TM) Announces Industry's First Web-to-Mobile Advertising Program (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla.----MyxerTones, the best place to create, share and sell mobile content, today announced the immediate availability of its new and exciting mobile advertising and brand sponsorship opportunities - helping marketers effectively target mobile consumers with multi-modal campaigns that span from the web to SMS to the mobile web.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Orange Park poker room gets hearing (The Florida Times-Union)

ORANGE PARK - A full house is a sure bet tonight in Orange Park.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

The new wireless playing field (America's Network)

Cell-phone makers and outsiders like Google want to break free from carriers' rigid controls and gain direct access to subscribers

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Online Gambling's American Underworld (NPR)

The cards are digital but the cash is real in online gambling. There's a fortune being won, and lost, on the Web, even though it's illegal in the United States.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Miami firm unleashes personalized avatars (Miami Herald)

The team at Miami-based VandIP are out to revolutionize the online smiley. VandIP, which stands for Virtual and Incredible Personalities, is the parent company of The LOL Family. At the site, lolfamily.com, users can design a personalized, three-dimensional animated smiley and then share that character with the world. There are several options, such as saving it as an emoticon on an instant ...

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Bluetooth Gets A Major Security Overhaul In Version 2.1

The Bluetooth Special Interest group has recently published version 2.1 of their specification. While the press mostly writes about the new easy pairing mechanisms, 2.1 contains a complete security overhaul.

It looks like this has become quite necessary since two attacks are now known that can break the security of the pairing process. While encrypted Bluetooth transmissions are still secure, intercepting the initial pairing sequence allows a passive attacker that just collects packets to compute the PIN used by both devices. A further attack for which specialized equipment is required can force a Bluetooth device into re-pairing so an attacker must not be present during the initial pairing. In practice, re-pairing means entering the PIN again. Users thus do get a warning when somebody tries such an attack.

BT 2.1 changes the pairing process fundamentally and now offers the following modes in what the standard referrs to as "Secure Simple Paring":

Numeric Comparison Protocol: The major difference of this pairing scheme compared to what has been done before is that instead of a PIN, a pair of public/private keys is used by each device together with the Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman one way cryptography algorithm. Each device sends its public key to the other side which then uses it to encrypt a secret to be returned. Once the encrypted secret is received, it is decrypted by using the private key. The encryption/decryption only works one way so an attacker intercepting the communication can not decrypt the secret and thus can not generate the link keys that identify the devices later on. This kind of authentication and ciphering key generation is very similar to what is done today to protect web pages with SSL/TLS and certificates. To protect against a man in the middle attack the pairing procedure then continues and a 6 digit number is then calculated on both sides and shown to the user. The 6 digit number will only be identical on both sides if the conversation has not been tampered and hence ensures that no third device has intercepted and modified the pairing messages. (Note that a man in the middle attack is not possible in SSL/TLS since it uses a certificate authority and trusted certificates in the browser)

Just Works Protocol: The same as the Numeric Comparison Protocol described above but the 6 digit number calculation process is skipped. While offering no protection against an active man in the middle attack some devices do not have a display to show a 6 digit number. Thus, such a pairing should only be performed when the user can be reasonably certain that no attacker can be close by. The encryption whenever a connection is established later on, however, is not impacted by this weakness and thus even this protocol offers enough protection for most applications. It's also important to point out that the attacker has to be present each time the two devices start to communicate with each other as otherwise the connection establishment will fail.

Passkey Protocol: In this protocol a passkey (PIN) which has been entered by the user in both devices is used just as in the original Bluetooth specification. The way the PIN is used during the pairing process, however, is fundamentally different. Again public/private key pairs and random numbers are used by each device to generate the link keys. The PIN is just used to  prevent a man in the middle attack as follows: For each bit a commitment message is generated by both devices by using a one way algorithm that takes the public keys of both sides, a random number generated individually by each side and the bit of the PIN to be committed as input parameters. Afterwards the commitments are exchanged between the devices. Once this is done, device A then sends the random number it has used to generate the commitment. This allows device B to verify that the commitment message was not tampered with. If the message was correct, device B sends its random number to device A so it can also check that the message was correct. For the following bit the order in which the random numbers are exchanged is reversed, i.e. device B has to send the random number first. A device in the middle can thus not forge commitments since it does not know the PIN and the random numbers are only exchanged after the commitment. Since commitments are given in an alternating fashion a device in the middle can only get one bit of the PIN from each side before it has to start guessing the value of the bit.

Out Of Band Protocol: And finally, Bluetooth 2.1 also allows using out of band exchange of security information such as via NFC (Near Field Communication) during the pairing process. This makes things even easier and more secure by only requiring two devices to come very close during the paging process. Both active and passive NFC is supported. In active mode, the NFC device is connected to the Bluetooth chip and can both transmit and receive authentication information. Some devices such as headsets do not have room for the extra NFC hardware. In such a case a passive NFC tag is used which could be attached to the manual or the box of the device. Pairing is then initiated by a device with an active NFC component which is held close to a passive NFC tag. The passive NFC tag then transmits all information required to start the pairing process.

Here are some links for the technical deep-dive:

• Bluetooth Pairing Attack Description
• Bluetooth SIG announces 2.1+EDR
• A video of the new pairing process with NFC
• Link to the Bluetooth 2.1 specification to download
• Link to a paper describing the new pairing process

Read More...

[Source: Martin's Mobile Technology Page]

Customer calls (Agencyfaqs!)

How telecom operators are working towards ensuring a mobile in every pocket? Indians love to talk.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Commercial Break (Online Casino Reports)

The online gambling industry is about to enter a new stage in its decade plus history, which was rocky at times, but has quite clearly followed an upward trend.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Vringo Bets on Video Ringtones (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! Asia News)

The startup proposes video sharing on mobile handsets -- already, Universal Music Group is on board

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Nokia Launches 2nd Personal Navigation Device

Time to pimp your ride as mobile manufacturer giant Nokia has launched Nokia 500 Auto Navigation, its first handsfree personal navigation device. This further supports the forecast we've covered last May that personal navigation is the next the big thing...

Continue.



Read More...

[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Cell phones' role in an educational setting (The Citizen of Laconia)

They can be equipped with cameras, calculators, calenders, digital music players, memory cards and even ringtones specifically designed to be audible only to young ears.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

US student wins first leg in Asia Pacific poker tour (AFP via Yahoo! News)

A 22-year-old university student from Indiana won the first leg of the inaugural PokerStars Asia-Pacific Poker Tour in Manila on Monday after three days of high-stakes gambling.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Awaiting recount, gambling foes emboldened (Charleston Daily Mail)

Whatever the outcome from Wednesday's recount of Kanawha County's table games special election, the opponents who made the vote so close believe they have the momentum to drive gambling from the Mountain State.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

CPays Joins B4Playing Program (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)

CPays to join the growing community of properties already are participating in the B4Playing online casino and poker rooms program.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Tipping when playing Poker (Online Poker News)

Rarely does a player really know how to tip the dealer. Here is a quick guide to tipping when playing poker.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

American wireless users are in a bind (The Indianapolis Star)

To many, the Apple iPhone is the ultimate wireless device -- a seductive blend of technology, function and dead-on cool.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Free online resources can help teachers, students (The Springfield News-Leader)

Today's column is especially for students, teachers and parents. As new college students make their way to Springfield colleges, a lot of students are unfamiliar with the surrounding area. The go2 College network of sites is a great place for students to find there way around town or the college campus.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Ex-Tatts chiefs to tell all (Herald Sun)

TWO former Tattersall's chiefs are set to lift the lid on a secret seaside dinner held by former premier Steve Bracks and controversial lobbyist David White.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Inc. Magazine Reveals Its 26th Annual List of America's 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies (Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance)

Inc. magazine today ranked FunMobility Company No. 71 on its 26th annual Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

Read More...

[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

AT&T Expands Wireless Offerings for Customers With Disabilities (ThomasNet)

AT&T Launching New Services to Support Customers With Special Needs SAN ANTONIO, July 17 / -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced plans to launch new wireless software products this year to increase usability for customers who are blind or visually impaired. AT&T will partner with Code Factory to offer two new products: Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier, both for Windows Mobile and Symbian Series 60 ...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

84% of U.S. will have mobiles by year-end

According to a report from SNL Kagan, by the end of 2007, 84% of the U.S. population will have mobile phones and by 2013 that percentage will surpass 100%.

One might ask how more than 100% of the population could have mobile phones and the answer is that certain "uber-connected" people will have multiple cellphone subscriptions. One might have their personal cellphone and a business line or just like to have multiple phones.

In fact, according to an article from last year, 30 countries had already exceeded 100% cell phone penetration and some countries, such as the UK, Sweden and Italy have already exceeded 110%!

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[Source: Mobile Phone Blog]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Salem officials make their pitch for video gambling (Eagle-Tribune Online)

CONCORD - Advocates for video gambling at Rockingham Park told state lawmakers yesterday that slot machines at the Salem racetrack could bring in $400 million in revenue during its first year, and only slightly less if Massachusetts approves video gambling first.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Investors seek safety - Toronto Star

Investors seek safety Toronto Star,  Canada - 6 hours ago How did a growing number of defaults on subprime mortgages home loans to borrowers with weak credit histories lead to a global financial crisis? ...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

HACKED - iPhone unlocked; 17yr old genius

So, the someone finally hacked the iPhone so that you can use the device on another GSM network. 17-year-old hacker George Hotz of Glen Rock, N.J., completed the hack this week.

This was bound to happen, and it is exciting from a hackers point of view.

But for the rest of us who thought about bringing the iPhone TMobile, read this comment:

"The hack, which Hotz posted Thursday to his blog, is complicated and requires skill with both soldering and software. It takes him about two hours to perform."

Well, the software part is not too tough if you are comfortable running commands through a terminal/shell. But Soldering?? No thanks, I have seen the inside of an iPod, tiny parts with lots of room for error. Switching out a battery is a challenge, so I simply can't imagine taking a soldering gun to my $600 baby. AT&T it is!

Article on Yahoo

George's Blog with details

Read More...

[Source: Mobile Phone Blog]

If WiMAX Becomes a 3G (IMT-2000) Standard, What's Left for 4G?

Now that 3G systems such as UMTS are under full deployment, the industry is looking forward to what comes next. While some say that WiMAX is a 4G system, the IEEE and the WiMAX forum think that 802.16e is rather a 3G technology and have asked the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) to include this standard into its IMT-2000 specification (International Mobile Telecommunications 2000). This specification is generally accepted as being the umbrella defining which standards are to be considered 3G.

This is mainly a political move since in many regions of the world, frequencies are reserved for 3G IMT-2000 systems. If WiMAX were included in IMT-2000, and it looks like it will be in the near future, some frequency bands such as the 2.5 GHz IMT-2000 extension band in Europe could be used for WiMAX without changing policies.

So what remains for IMT-Advanced, the ITU umbrella name for future 4G technologies?

Currently there is still no no clear definition by ITU of the characteristics of future 4G IMT-Advanced systems. The ITU-R M.1645 recommendation gives first hints but leaves the door wide open:

It is predicted that potential new radio interface(s) will need to support data rates of up to approximately 100 Mbit/s for high mobility such as mobile access and up to approximately 1 Gbit/s for low mobility such as nomadic/local wireless access, by around the year 2010 [...]
These data rate figures and the relationship to the degree of mobility (Fig. 2) should be seen as targets for research and investigation of the basic technologies necessary to implement the framework. Future system specifications and designs will be based on the results of the research and investigations.

When WiMAX is compared to the potential requirements above it's quite clear that the current 802.16e standard would not qualify as a 4G IMT-Advanced standard since data rates even under ideal conditions are much lower.

3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) project will also have difficulties fulfilling these requirements. Even with the recently proposed 4x4 MIMO, data rates in a 20 MHz carrier would not exceed 326 MBit/s. And that's already a long stretch since putting 4 antennas in a small device or on a rooftop will be far from simple in practice. If WiMAX is accepted as a 3G IMT-2000 technology, how can LTE with a similar performance be accepted as a 4G IMT-Advanced technology?

Additionally, one should also not forget that IMT-2000 systems such as UMTS are still evolving. UMTS is a good example. With HSDPA and HSUPA, user speeds now exceed the 2 MBit/s which were initially foreseen for IMT-2000 systems. But development hasn't stopped here. Recent new developments in 3GPP Release 7 and 8 called HSPA+, which will include MIMO technology and other enhancements, will bring the evolved UMTS technology to the same capacity levels as what is currently predicted for LTE on a 5 MHz carrier. HSPA+ is clearly not a 4G IMT-Advanced system since it enhances a current 3G IMT-2000 radio technology. Thus, HSPA+ categorized as a 'enhanced IMT-2000 system'.

Maybe that's the reason why the IEEE 802.16 working group is already looking forward and has started work on 802.16m with the stated goal of reaching top speeds of 1 GBit/s.

When looking at current research it's clear that the transmission speed requirements described in ITU-R M.1645 can only be achieved in a frequency band of 100+ MHz. This is quite a challenge since such large bands are few. Thus, I have my doubts whether these requirements will remain in place for the final definition of 4G IMT-Advanced.

Does It Really Matter If A Technology Is 3.5G, 3.9G or 4G?

While discussions are ongoing the best one can do is to look at HSPA+, WiMAX, LTE and other future developments as "Beyond 3G" systems. After all, from a user point of view it doesn't  matter if a technology is IMT-2000, Enhanced IMT-2000 or IMT-Advanced as long as data rate, coverage and other attributes of the network can keep up with the growing data traffic.

A whitepaper produced by 3G Americas has some further thoughts on the topic.

As always, comments are welcome!

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[Source: Martin's Mobile Technology Page]

State cops get poker winnings (The Scranton Times-Tribune)

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service gave the Pennsylvania State Police nearly $600,000 Tuesday for its role in the joint investigation of illegal video poker gambling in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Use Your Camera Phone as a Scanner - COMOMBO

Software firm COMOMBO (www.comombo.com) has released Freeware that enables you to turn your camera phone into a scanner/fax/copier. Basically, take a picture of a document with your cell phone, and then you have a 'scanned' image you can send to yourself, a 'copy' of a document, and a chance to FAX or EMAIL your scanned docs to someone, right from your phone. The COMOMBO software does a bit of post processing (I think!), so it turns the picture into a document similar in quality to a faxed document.

Very interesting idea, there have been times that I wanted this functionality in a pinch, like when you want to take a snapshot of a whiteboard that is about to be erased (and you cannot afford the cool whiteboards that electronically copy everything you write on it).

I am using a Samsung Blade cell phone (A900) on Sprint. The software is FREE for now.

I had to register an account first, and wait for an email. I would rather simply be able to download the application without waiting...I am sure they will lose people downloading the app during this process. I want INSTANT gratification...and while waiting for the email, I might forget to follow up and lost interest (which I almost did as three emails arrived while waiting for COMOMBO and I got sidetracked).

Ok, I am activated now, and back on the site. After activating, then logging in, I am directed back to the page with the three product offerings. The natural thing to do was click the 'Freeware' button, but that takes me back to registering?? Then I notice in the top navigation a 'download' link. Aha, maybe I need to go here. Note to COMOMBO, make it STUPID SIMPLE for your users to get your products.

At the download page, I can choose to have the software go to my PC, or type the URL directly into my phone, or have a SMS sent to me with the address.

I choose option 3, having a SMS sent to me. I am going thru the process, and I discover that only Nokia and SonyEricsson phones work. My Samsung Blade wont make the cut...well, I happen to have a SE z520. But, this phone is not listed. I choose the z610i, hoping it will work on my phone.

Text message is sent. COMOMBO doesnt seem to use a top notch SMS aggregator, as the SMS does not come in the first minute. SMS did not arrive within 10 minutes, so I am going to go right to the URL using my cell phone.

Again, no z520 listed, I select the z610i link and download the application (194kb). Application installs, but doesnt work. And, I realize the z520 has a crappy camera! Now I try with the Blade, even though its not supported. I chose the Nokia:E65 link and it failed. Tried the E70 next, and it too failed. Trying a SE link, model K550i link. Failed.

Basically, I am not able to try the software :^(. Hopefully I will get an email from them when my devices are supported.

Recommendations:
1. support more phones
2. auto detect phone make/model on WAP site

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[Source: Mobile Phone Blog]

Gambling machine orders not clear to local business owner (CentralOhio.com)

MANSFIELD -- Tina Hawley expects a letter from the state attorney general. Gov. Ted Strickland authorized Attorney General Marc Dann to issue an emergency rule on electronic gambling machines popping up at bars, storefronts and fraternal clubs.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

New Mobile Game: Castlevania: Order of Shadows

Konami Digital Entertainment reinforced its commitment to the mobile games market today by announcing a new mobile game based on one of the companys legendary videogame brands - Castlevania. Featuring never-before-seen game play, storyline features and original music, Castlevania: Order of Shadows for the mobile platform will be available next month on most major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Networks.

As a worldwide leader in high quality, multi-platform videogames, Konami is looking to raise the entertainment standard of games for mobile phones, said Joe Morris, Vice President of Konami Mobile. Mobile technology has exploded, providing powerful new tools to enhance todays mobile gaming experiences. Konamis esteemed game developers will be creating original titles based on the companys top franchises including Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid Mobile, Contra and others.

IGN has an interview with the game's lead designer, Tyrone Rodriguez that you can read here.

This kind of commitment from leading publishers like Konami will help the awareness of mobile gaming and help drive this business significantly as gamers realize that they can have their favorite titles with them wherever they are.

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[Source: Mobile Phone Blog]

Digitial 'handcuffs' chafe wireless users (KARE 11 Minneapolis-St. Paul)

To many, the Apple iPhone is the ultimate wireless device a seductive blend of technology, function and dead-on cool, all wrapped into

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Matsushita Battery to Share Expenses on Recall of BL-5C Batteries

While Nokia is currently recalling 46 million BL-5C batteries for causing about 100 incidents of over heating around the globe, the manufacturer Matsushita Battery has agreed to shoulder all the direct expenses related to the August 14, 2007 product advisory....

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

If you build it, they will come: Google sees big boost in mobile traffic (Ars Technica)

Google's VP of search products, Marissa Mayer, spoke this week about the company's mobile apps seeing an increase in traffic this summer, due in part to the launch of the iPhone. Google's been working hard in the mobile space, and it's been paying off. Read More...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Mobile Bicycle Computer Gets Java Verified Gold Signature of Quality (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)

Already #3 in PC Magazine's Top 10 bike gadgets, SoundOfMotion's bicycle computer for mobile devices achieved a Java Verified status, which sets the gold standard of quality for mobile Java applications. Through the Java Verified signature SoundOfMotion.com gains access to marketing and distribution channels offered by Java.com, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, LG, Sony Ericsson and Vodafone.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

9 Squared and Univision Mvil Partner to Distribute Mobile Content (Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance)

9 Squared, a Zed Company and global leader in mobile media solutions, announces its latest alliance with Univision Mvil, Univision's mobile entity which offers in-show wireless integrations, PSMS programs and the most relevant Spanish-language content.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Truckstop Gambling (WPSD Paducah)

They are machines you would find in a casino. Machines found out in the open. We found them in truck stops and gas stations in Kentucky and Illinois. We found electronic poker machines in truck stops and gas stations sometimes hidden in a back room. Unlike casinos the pay out isn't always cash.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Scientists contact Owls via Cellphones!

Mobile phones have evolved over time, allowing us to do many things aside from calling. But I'm a bit surprised to know that mobile phones play a key role in surveying the wild bird populations! According to UK Telegraph, MIT...

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

TV Out on the Nokia N95 - Part 6: The problems with TV Out, and how they could be solved (All About Symbian)

To conclude AAS's series on using the Nokia N95's TV Out feature, we take a look back at the kinds of problems we encountered, and how TV Out needs to be improved in order to address these issues.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Handcuffs chafe wireless users (USA Today)

To many, the Apple iPhone is the ultimate wireless device a seductive blend of technology, function and dead-on cool, all wrapped into a sleek package. To others, it's a glaring example of what's wrong with the U.S. wireless industry in general.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Mobile Bicycle Computer Gets Java Verified Gold Signature of Quality (PRWeb)

Already #3 in PC Magazine's Top 10 bike gadgets, SoundOfMotion's bicycle computer for mobile devices achieved a Java Verified status, which sets the gold standard of quality for mobile Java applications. Through the Java Verified signature SoundOfMotion.com gains access to marketing and distribution channels offered by Java.com, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, LG, Sony Ericsson and Vodafone. (PRWeb Aug ...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

UK Ban of Gambling Adverts from Questionable Territories (Online Poker News)

The UK government has presented new Regulations to Parliament today, banning gambling advertising from companies operating outside the European Economic Area (EEA). The move, which has been made possible using new powers under the Gambling Act 2005, means that many popular gaming sites will not be able to advertise in the UK from September 1st 2007, when the Gambling Act comes into force.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Double Down Stud Video Poker (Online Poker News)

Double Down Stud is based on stud poker and it is played differently from most other video poker machines, which are based on draw poker. Draw video poker games give players the opportunity to improve their hands by discarding cards and drawing new ones. Double Down Stud, on the other hand, gives players the opportunity to double their bets after seeing their first four cards.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Acision Launches Multi-platform Visual Voicemail

The use of visual voicemail is poised to become an important feature in the latest mobile phone models. Introduced by iPhone, it allows you to go directly to any of your messages without listening to the prior messages. While iPhone...

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Myxer(TM) Platform Helps Bandvillage ''Mobilize'' Music (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. & MEMPHIS, Tenn.----MyxerTones, the best place to make and share mobile content, today announced a new relationship with bandVillage , a website dedicated to promoting independent musicians, encouraging live music, and increasing and facilitating active fan support.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Russian brothers acquitted of poker extortion (Newsday)

Two brothers from Russia were acquitted yesterday by a Brooklyn federal jury of extortion charges stemming from poker games held at the famed Rasputin nightclub in Brighton Beach.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Qatar: Bluetooth-equipped Nokia 2760 launched (Zawya)

21 August 2007 Doha - The Consolidated Gulf Co (CGC) Consolidated Gulf Co (CGC) , the biggest retailer of mobile phones as well as the largest Telecom and IT solution provider in Qatar, has introduced Nokia 2760 in the local market.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Asian ISP bets on gambling (Addict 3D)

Simon Burns in Taipei, vnunet.com , Wednesday 22 August 2007 at 00:00:00 Poker profits surge at Gigamedia One of the first Asian internet companies to list on the US Nasdaq market is staging a resurgence as an online gambling operator....

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Court sides with state in fight over Indian gambling (El Paso Times)

AUSTIN -- A federal appeals court dealt a blow to expanding gambling at an Indian casino in Texas, ruling Monday that federal rules undermine the state's power to restrict gaming.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Luddites Prevailing in Mobile Phone Market (BWCS)

A new survey from Continental Research detailing mobile phone users' interest in advance features and services will make for depressing reading for those trying to increase average spend per user.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Asian ISP bets on gambling (Infomatics)

One of the first Asian internet companies to list on the US Nasdaq market is staging a resurgence as an online gambling operator. Taiwan-based Gigamedia started life as an ISP over cable TV lines in the late 1990s.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Survey: Mobile Users Spurn New Services (BusinessWeek)

Declining usage of advanced services and technologies indicates most mobile phone users yearn for the simple life

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Casinos Collect Jackpot on TV Spots (Online Casino Reports)

The recent announcement that the UK will ban advertising from over a thousand online casino sites based in countries and territories that do not meet the UK regulatory standards regarding online gambling was initially received as a set-back. But as in any story, the coin has two sides to it.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Poor Customer Service "Killing" Wireless Users

When customers start doing crazy things just to cancel their mobile phone contracts, it is very obvious that the mobile carriers are doing something really wrong. According to The Washington Post, one customer faked his death to avoid paying $175...

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Court deals setback to gambling plan (Houston Chronicle)

A federal appeals court ruled that federal rules undermine the state's power to restrict gaming.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Dennis the Menace Goes Mobile

In an effort to reduce cost and keep up with the changing times, the classic comic book Dennis the Menace is now accessible to mobile phones as picture messages. According to Times Online:Unlike traditional comics, the new service works by...

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Appeals court sides with state in fight over Indian gambling (News 8 Austin)

A federal appeals court dealt a blow to expanding gambling at an Indian casino in Texas. The court decided Monday that federal rules undermine the state's power to restrict gaming.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

CGC introduces bluetooth-equipped Nokia 2760 camera phone (AME Info)

Taking further steps towards providing more attractive and affordable handsets to Qatar's mobile users, Consolidated Gulf Co. (CGC), the biggest retailer of mobile phones as well as the largest telecom and IT solution provider in Qatar, has introduced Nokia 2760 in the local market.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

World Poker Tour(R) Bets on Casino-With CryptoLogic (Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance)

Vegas-style online casino action is now available from one of the world's top names in poker entertainment. CryptoLogic Limited(TSX: CXY)(NASDAQ: CRYP)(LSE: CRP), a leading software developer to the global Internet gaming market, has launched a new casino on World Poker Tour's gaming site, customized to match the look, feel and functionality that WPT's devoted players enjoy.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Appeals court sides with state in fight over Indian gambling (News 8 Austin)

The Kickapoo tribe had wanted to offer Vegas-style gambling at its casino at Eagle Pass.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Shopping with cell phones (The Buffalo News)

SEATTLE Its not surprising that in technologically advanced Japan, you can buy a Coke through a cell phone, but what amazed Dan Wright the most was the perfume. Selling perfume over the mobile phone doesnt seem that intuitive, he said.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Sicap AG: Swisscom Customers Get Easy Content Transfer on Sicap and Futuredial Technologies (FinanzNachrichten)

Sicap AG, a leading provider of device management platforms to wireless carriers, announced today that Swisscom ( Nachrichten ) has started rollout of its "EasyTransfer" solution in retail stores throughout Switzerland.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Mobile users yearning for the simple life (Silicon.com)

Video downloads? Mobile telly? Thanks but no thanks...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Blowing the whistle on sports gambling (Sarasota Herald-Tribune)

This column comes with a disclaimer: I don't know much about the topic -- gambling.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

ADD YOUR VOICE (Long Beach Press-Telegram)

Schipske will ask the City Council on Tuesday to consider having the City Attorney advise them on the legal issues related to allowing casino-style gambling in the city.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Homerisms can be taken a bit too far (Seattle Times)

In honor of the first Simpson's big-screen movie, a number of Homerisms have become ringtones for the cellphone. Some examples: "Whooohooo, this...

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Gambler at Indiana casino wasn't betting on soiled seat (Hattiesburg American)

Floyd Kibiloski was playing video poker at the Caesars Indiana casino last month when he decided to try his luck at the machine next to him - and got an embarrassing surprise.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

WVNCC graduates first poker dealers (The Steubenville Herald-Star)

WHEELING The first group of potential poker dealers has graduated from West Virginia Northern Community College. Now its audition time for them.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Consumers Still Annoyed with Mobile Ads

As expected, the mobile users remain annoyed with mobile advertisements. According to a new survey by Universal McCann among 9,500 respondents in 21 countries, about 61% rejected the ads on mobile TV and Internet services. This new study further fortifies...

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

A (WiMAX) world without SIM cards

A recent blog entry of mine on WiMAX terminals with and without support of EAP-SIM and thus SIM cards for authentication has provoked a number of interesting responses. What I take away from them is that first devices will probably not have a SIM card.

So the next logical question is how authentication is done in the absence of a SIM card!? I can see two basic approaches:

1. A device comes with a built in certificate. That's straight forward. The user goes to a shop, buys a device, it gets activated for him and he's set. While this is all nice and well the trouble starts when the device breaks or the user wants to use the services of another operator. No way with this model.

2. Another model would be to use a username and password to be supplied by the user. It could work in a similar fashion as with Wireless LAN today. I can also imagine user installable certificates. While both  being a bit more complicated then pre-installed certificates it would preserve the flexibility the SIM card approach offers today.

I like and depend on flexibility since I travel a lot and a device locked to a single network is useless for me. While I am certainly not the average user I am sure the majority would prefer openness over being locked into a single garden.

If you have further information on this topic, please leave a comment.

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[Source: Martin's Mobile Technology Page]

AT&T Launches Mobile Backup Application

In response to frustration of many mobile users about losing, replacing, or damaging their cell phones, AT&T has launched AT&T Mobile Backup to automatically back up the contact information in your phone's address book by sending the contact information to...

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Dates: IBC Conference: Thursday 6th - Monday 10th September 2007 (InfoBolsa)

18/08/2007 14:02:00 Business Wire Trends in the consumption of multimedia content on mobile devices will be put under the spotlight in the Business Briefing programme on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September at IBC 2007, Amsterdam.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Markets (August 17) (The Hindu)

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Mobile Magic to set up 1,000 stores by 10 Bangalore, Aug 17 TheNagpur-based franchisee chain Mobile Magic India is planning to set up1,000 stores across India by the end of the decade.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Domino's Offers Pizza by TXT in UK

Domino's Pizza is slowly embracing technology to satisfy the so many pizza lovers in US and now in the UK. Earlier this month, it started accepting online orders all over US. Now, it unveils a new service called Pizza by...

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Business Briefings Place Mobile Multimedia Trends in Spotlight at IBC 2007 (Broadcast Newsroom)

LONDON, BUSINESS WIRE -- Trends in the consumption of multimedia content on mobile devices will be put under the spotlight in the Business Briefing programme on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September at IBC 2007, Amsterdam.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for mobile technology and ringtones]

Mobile Social Networking to Reach 3B by 2012

In the new study by Juniper Research, the mobile social networking will propel the growth of user-generated content (UGC) revenues. As the total UGC revenue is projected to increase from $572 million this year to $5.7 billion by 2012, about...

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[Source: The Mobile Technology Weblog]

Product Review - Mobile ecards from AmericanGreetings.com

I just tried out American Greetings new mobile ecard service.

It is a web-to-mobile greeting card service where customers can send specially designed e-cards to mobile phones on major US wireless carriers.

The service is in beta (which means it doesn't work perfectly) but it's available on their site so I decided to try it out.

In order to use the service, you must register at AmericanGreetings.com and sign up for the 30 day "trial" period. After the trial period, a membership costs $14.00 per year. I didn't take the time to research all of the membership benefits but for about $1 a month I figured it was worth a shot.

Once you register, you're now able to send mobile ecards for free. They have a pretty limited selection right now - 11 birthday greetings and 10 "just because" greetings.

You can preview and personalize the greeting and then select 1) send to a phone or 2) send to an email address. By selecting send to a phone, you then input the recipients mobile phone number, sender's name, sender's mobile phone number and a brief mobile ecard message.

You then hit send your ecard and the message is sent to the recipient. A couple of notes on the service up to this point:

1) Mobile ecards can only be sent to mobile phones using one of the following carriers: Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Cingular, and Cellular One. Not sure why T-Mobile isn't on the list yet but I'm sure they're coming. Of course, most people don't know who their recipient's carrier is, so American Greetings allows you to verify the recipient's mobile number by doing a carrier look-up. This is a great feature and I'd suggest they move this up in the "order path" to alleviate any consumer frustration. If you've gotten to this point and are ready to send a birthday greeting and then find out your friends phone is not compatible, you've wasted a fair amount of time.

2) Characters typed in "sender's name" and "mobile message" both count toward a 28 character limit which gets displayed in the SMS message. I assume this is a technical requirement but it can be limiting.

I first tried sending an ecard to my phone - a Samsung ZX10 on AT&T - and the service worked great. I received a message from shortcode 28309 with a link to view the ecard. The card was optimized for the screen but unfortuntaely there was no sound. I'm unclear if this is a known issue.

I then tried sending another card to my sister-in-law who has a Samsung SCH-U740 on Verizon. I used the compatibility verification tool and it said the phone was compatible but unfortunately it didn't work. The good news is that she did receive something that told her I had sent a message and I also received an email message that said "The delivery of your mobile ecard to XXX-XX-XXXX was unsuccessful."

I'm painfully familiar with how difficult this business is, so having the service work pretty well 1 out of 2 times is not surprising. Clearly more testing needs to be done, but with some more work this service could be very useful and fun. Now that I am a subscriber, I will be using the service and will be excited to see how it improves over the coming months.

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[Source: Mobile Phone Blog]

Betting on video gambling (Daily Breeze)

In an attempt to appeal to younger crowds, two South Bay card clubs are upgrading technology with video poker tables, plasma flat-screen TVs and automated card shuffling machines.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]

Don't glamorize gambling (The Acorn)

I want to submit my opinions on the article "Poker passion pays off for Oak Park man" (Aug. 9). Let me start off by saying that there was nothing funnier that I have read in The Acorn than hearing about the spoiled rotten kid whose parents support a gambling addiction.

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[Source: Yahoo! News Search Results for gambling and poker]