Thought Garage

Verizon Wireless in a stunning move announced today that it will open up to ‘Any device and Any Application‘ some time in 2008. That would mean a Verizon Wireless customer can bring any Mobile handset (that passes basic technical tests) and can install any application he/she likes to have on the mobile device. 

Verizon Wireless today announced that it will provide customers the option to use, on its nationwide wireless network, wireless devices, software and applications not offered by the company. Verizon Wireless plans to have this new choice available to customers throughout the country by the end of 2008.

In early 2008, the company will publish the technical standards the development community will need to design products to interface with the Verizon Wireless network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network. Devices will be tested and approved in a $20 million state-of-the-art testing lab which received an additional investment this year to gear up for the anticipated new demand. Any application the customer chooses will be allowed on these devices.

Verizon Wireless will continue to provide a full-service offering, from retail stores where customers can shop, to 24/7 customer service and technical support, to an easy-to-use handset interface and optimized software applications.

Verizon Wireless To Introduce ‘Any Apps, Any Device’ Option For Customers In 2008

US Q3 2007, Best Selling Consumer Handsets: Note that 4 of the top 10 phones are by Motorola and not surprisingly Nokia is no where in the picture.

The Strategy Analytics ProductTRAX program released its Q3 list of top selling consumer handsets in the US market. Motorola, with its RAZR and KRZR, and LG, collectively accounted for seven of the top best selling consumer handsets.

1. Motorola RAZR V3
2. Motorola RAZR V3m
3. LG VX8300
4. Apple iPhone
5. LG Chocolate VX8550/8500
6. Motorola MOTOKRZR K1m
7. Samsung SGH-A707
8. LG VX5300
9. Sanyo Katana II
10. Motorola V323i/V325i

Over Half of Mobile Phones Sold in Usa are 3g Models

Verizon Wireless, the wireless company with the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung)  announced the online availability of the Verizon Wireless FlipShot™ by Samsung

Featuring a 3.0 megapixel built-in camera with a rotating display for optimal viewing while in camera mode and available in black, the FlipShot enables photo enthusiasts to capture picture-perfect moments while carrying a device that allows for full mobile phone functionality and high-quality digital photos. The handset features Bluetooth^® capability for headsets, stereo, car kits, object push (for vCard only), basic image and basic print as well as a business card scanner.

Features of the new Verizon Wireless FlipShot by Samsung include:

• 3.0 megapixel camera with Digital Zoom
• Camcorder
• Living Wallpaper
• PictBridge printing capable
• V CAST Music and Video capable
• Speakerphone
• Get it Now^®
• Messaging Services – SMS, EMS and MMS messaging, e-mail, Mobile IM and chat
• VZ Navigator^SM
• Mobile Web 2.0^SM
• Dimensions: 3.76” X 1.83” X .73” with standard battery
• Personal organizer with Calendar, Calculator, Notepad, Alarm Clock and World Clock
• Display: 240 X 320 pixel, 260K color TFT Internal

Verizon’s website will offer the black version of the handset and Best Buy will sell the red handset starting on the 26th. Both versions cost $199.99 with a two-year contract. (Source: Fierce Wireless)

Playing Video games on Mobile phone could be quite different and often difficult with smaller screens and cramped keyboards. And thinking of playing a multi player games right from your mobile phone could be quite unbelievable.

But Its possible. All you need is a very very simple mobile phone that can make calls. You read it right. All you need is a simple mobile phone that can make simple phone calls. No advanced smart phone. And of course,  a few other players that wish to join you in the game.

Enter MegaPhone.

MegaPhone is a phone-controlled, real-time, multi-player collaborative gaming platform for big screens in public spaces.

• Anyone can use ANY phone from ANY service provider in ANY country as a game controller
• Players join the game by making a regular phone call, and they can see their input (either voice or keypad) immediately

Since screens are quite small on a mobile phone, MegaPhone replaces the mobile screens with a giant stage Screen. Players join the game by calling a number on the screen. They can play by giving voice commands or by using keyboard. The DTMF signals generated by your cell phone when you press on keyboard while on the call will be used as commands to control the game. Its quite fascinating idea.

Watch the videos below on how it works and how players are enjoying the game.

Game is ON

Game is ON

As per an annual AP-AOL Instant Messaging Trends Survey, 25% of IM users are using Cell phones to send those quick quirky hip instant messages to their buddies.

The survey, which examined instant messaging trends and usage habits among 1,246 IM users, revealed that 25 percent of respondents send IMs from their cell phones, including one in three (32 percent) teens.

The proliferation of cell phones with full keyboards has made it easier to send mobile instant messages. All of the major instant messaging services also let users have their instant messages forwarded directly to their cell phones when they’re on-the-go. In addition, IM users are instant messaging from within their social networking profiles.