PhatSketch game for Microsoft Windows Mobile powered smartphones announced

PhatWare Corporation, a leading provider of software products and professional services for mobile and desktop computers, announces the release of PhatSketch, its first game for Microsoft Windows Mobile powered smartphones. PhatSketch allows users to create drawings using the phone’s numeric keypad or the full keyboard to draw diagonal lines, lines with arrows, curves and circles by connecting “markers” that can be set as users draw lines or move the cursor.

Want a new place to doodle? How about on your smartphone? With the new PhatSketch software, you can do just that. Users are now able to draw connecting vertical and horizontal lines by using the up/down/left/right keys on the smartphone keypad or the full keyboard. PhatSketch allows users to also move the position of the cursor and begin drawing lines from any location.  By pressing the OK button, markers can be set at the current cursor location. Two markers can be connected to create either an arrow, line, or circle. Three or more markers can be connected to create a straight line or a Bezier curve.

"We have always been pleased to provide PhatWare users with software applications that make their work easier," said Stan Miasnikov, president of PhatWare. "Now, we are extremely excited to introduce a game that will keep our users entertained.”

Using the phone’s keypad, users have the ability to delete the last stroke or the last marker and redo or undo the last action. Additionally, PhatSketch users can animate the drawing, which slowly redraws the strokes used to originally create the sketch. With 42 text and background colors, PhatSketch allows users to change a range of options that help create colorful and engaging drawings. Extra features also include the ability to change the speed of the cursor, the ability to insert background images and varied ink width points. Once done, sketches can be saved as JPEG, PNG or BMP files.

“Microsoft is excited about the new PhatWare game for Windows Mobile users,” said Chris Hill, group product manager, Microsoft Corporation. “Great gaming experiences are an exciting benefit of the Windows Mobile platform. It’s great to see 3rd party application innovation like PhatSketch making Windows Mobile an even more entertaining and productive platform for people that are mobile.”

PhatSketch for Windows Mobile is a Microsoft Windows Mobile certified application. This means that the software has met the rigorous standards set forth by Microsoft and has been tested by a third party to assure those standards were met or exceeded.

PhatSketch supports most Microsoft Windows Mobile devices running on Windows Mobile 3.0 or higher. The software can be purchased from the PhatWare Web site or PhatWare’s authorized online resellers for $9.95. The 15-day free trial version is also available and can be downloaded from company’s Web site. For more information on PhatSketch or other PhatWare products, visit <a href="http://www.phatware.com" target="_blank">www.phatware.com</a>.

Source: PhatWare Press Release

Samsung and Verizon Wireless unveil the SCH-a870

Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) today announced the availability of the SCH-a870, a new value-inspired camera phone designed with the mobile family in mind.

The SCH-a870 combines Samsung's popular clamshell design with a host of capabilities such as Bluetooth(R) wireless technology, speakerphone, Location Based Services such as VZ Navigator(SM), VoiceSignal(TM)'s speech recognition, Web browsing and camera and video functionality. In addition, for those interested in gaming, the SCH-a870 comes with VibeTonz(R) technology which will allow customers to download and feel the beat of games and ring tones.

"The a870 was designed to satisfy the needs of today's mobile family," said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung. "It is a feature rich camera phone that we believe is not only best in class, but sets a new standard for today's value driven mobile phones." Source: Verizon Wireless

Madden NFL 07 is now available for purchase and download to select Sprint phones

The highly anticipated EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 07 is now available for purchase and download to select* Sprint  phones. Madden NFL 07 costs $3.49 per month or $6.99 for a lifetime license to Sprint customers.

Now, Sprint customers can enjoy hard-hitting, authentic Madden NFL 07 action anywhere at any time. Long acknowledged as the definitive gridiron video game experience, Madden NFL 07 features over 50 plays from the real Madden playbook. Players will experience 11 on 11 play with NFL licensed players, rosters and all 32 NFL teams. And, on some Sprint mobile phones, John Madden and Al Michaels provide commentary along the way.

Sprint customers also enjoy exclusive access to the Game Lobby, which allows players to post and compare their scores via daily and all-time "leaderboards" with fellow Madden NFL 07 enthusiasts from around the United States. In addition, the Sprint Game Lobby also allows players to recommend Madden NFL 07 to friends and family members using Sprint phones.

Sprint Sponsors Fifth Annual EA Sports Madden Challenge
Sprint customers who can't get enough Madden action will want to register for the Fifth Annual EA SPORTS Madden Challenge. The competition, sponsored by Sprint, begins Sept. 1; it is the only official EA tournament to crown the best player of Madden NFL 07. Winners will come from 31 regional competitions as well as an online qualifying spot.

The winners from the 26 U.S. cities, five NFL international tournaments and the online competition will advance to the Finals, held during Pro Bowl week (week of Feb. 8, 2007) in Honolulu, Hawaii. The winner of the 2006 EA SPORTS Madden Challenge presented by Best Buy will receive a grand prize package, including a check for $100,000 and the winners of each regional competition will receive $1,000.

The 2006 EA SPORTS Madden Challenge, presented by Best Buy and sponsored by Microsoft and Sprint, will test the skills of thousands of gamers on Madden NFL 07, on both the Xbox and Xbox 360 consoles. The professional division (consisting of up to 512 competitors at each regional stop) will feature competition on the Xbox® system and a new Xbox 360™ Division (64 competitors at each stop) will feature next-gen play on the Xbox 360 console. The regional winner from each professional division will advance to the finals in Hawaii.

For 2006 EA SPORTS Madden Challenge Tournament information, including Tournament Official Rules and online registration, players can go to the official EA SPORTS Madden Challenge website at www.maddenchallenge.com.

*Currently, EA Sports Madden NFL 07 is available for the following Sprint wireless phones: Samsung: SPH-A900; SPH-A920; SPH-A940; SPH-A960; SPH-A620; SPH-A660; SPH-A680; PM-740; SPH-A820; SPH-A840. Sanyo: SCP8100; SCP7300; SCP7500PM8200; MM7400; MM5600; SCP2300; SCP8300; SCP9000; 4930. LG: MM-535; PM-325; PM-225.

Source: Sprint Press Release

Sony Merges Quality LCD TV With Desktop PC for a Sleek Combo

Combining the power of a PC with a quality LCD and stylish design, Sony has unveiled the new VAIO(R) LS1 TV/PC Combo.

Sleek, yet highly-functional, this new device compliments any room in the house where space is at a premium, but entertainment, performance and style is a must. Featuring a framed display with a transparent border for a stunning, floating effect, the LS1 model packs the essentials for powerful computing into a slim chassis discreetly hidden behind the back of a flat-panel 19-inch WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) LCD display.

The new VAIO LS1 TV/PC model incorporates an Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a roomy 250 GB (1GB = 1 billion bytes) hard drive for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously, such as watching and/or recording a TV show while downloading music in the background. The unit is a Windows Vista(TM) capable PC.

It is also Windows Vista Premium ready. "The LS1 model is a testament to our design and engineering prowess incorporating all the power of a desktop into a showpiece design," remarked Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics in the U.S. For tidy interior design, the LS1 TV/PC incorporates personal computing into the living space without any unsightly wires. Network cables are discretely routed; ports are conveniently located on the sides; and wired connections are minimized. An included wireless mouse and wireless aluminum keyboard folds up for a beautiful presentation when not in use.

By utilizing the unit's built-in wireless LAN (802.11 b/g) technology, the VAIO LS1 TV/PC can be positioned virtually anywhere in the home and still access Internet sites, e-mail, and a home network. It's a TV/PC Home Entertainment System Sporting a 19-inch widescreen display powered by Sony's XBRITE-HiColor(TM) technology, the unit doubles as a flat-panel TV delivering dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a movie, television show or web content.

The LS1 model ships with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP MCE 2005 and a built-in NTSC TV tuner providing DVR-like recording capabilities. It also has a built-in DVD burner and Sony's Click to DVD(R) software so you can create a digital entertainment library for personal viewing at your convenience. The new VAIO TV/PC also features an audio/video quick resume switch that shuts down the display and the audio output without the PC having to enter sleep mode. This allows you to return to full PC functionality without waiting for the computer to shut down or boot up. Making it easy to stay in touch with family and friends, the LS1 TV/PC Combo also includes an integrated camera and microphone for recording and transmitting video messages.

Source: Sony Electronics Inc.

ComCam MicroServers and cameras are now operable over Cingular Wireless 3G Broadband Network

By Brad Newnham

ComCam International has announced that it has validated the Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) 860 running on Cingular Wireless networks.

According to ComCam's CEO, Don Gilbreath, "ComCam MicroServers and cameras are now operable over Cingular Wireless 3G Broadband Network using the Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) 860, thus enabling ComCam video command and control technology over a national wireless network. Now Cingular joins our growing list of approved networks. From the small-town suburban backyard to national borders, setting up wireless cameras just got easier. ComCam video MicroServers can easily connect to a user's favorite surveillance camera and ComCam's Web-based DVR, the ComCam VideoLocker(TM). Now our users have an easy solution for viewing, controlling and archiving video and other sensor data with an easy to get wireless broadband service. For our dealers this represents an even more compelling technology bundle by virtue of its simplicity and ability to reach new markets and uses."

4G Wireless Broadband Initiative with Intel, Motorola and Samsung announced by Sprint Nextel

By Dave Lampert

Sprint Nextel Corp. has announced its plans to develop and deploy the first fourth generation (4G) nationwide broadband mobile network. The 4G wireless broadband network will use the mobile WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) IEEE 802.16e-2005 technology standard

Working together with Intel, Motorola and Samsung, Sprint Nextel will develop a nationwide network infrastructure as well as mobile WiMAX-enabled chipsets that will support advanced wireless broadband services for computing, portable multimedia, interactive and other consumer electronic devices. These efforts are intended to allow Sprint Nextel customers to experience a nationwide mobile data network that is designed to offer faster speeds, lower cost, and greater convenience and enhanced multimedia quality.

Sprint Nextel selects WiMAX as next generation 4G technology platform

Unparalleled spectrum coverage creates first-to-market position for Sprint Nextel

Nationwide advanced wireless broadband network expected to cover 100 million people in 2008

Sprint will air Football Hall of Fame's enshrinement weekend activities via Sprint's wireless service

Sprint's wireless service will air live television coverage of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's enshrinement weekend activities via Sprint's (NYSE: S) wireless service. NFL Network will air eight hours of live coverage of the enshrinement ceremony from Canton, Ohio, on Saturday, Aug. 5, as well as a two-hour NFL Total Access pre-ceremony show beginning at 11 a.m. ET, and a one-hour post-ceremony show.

Sprint customers will also be able to view NFL Network's comprehensive coverage of the enshrinement weekend festivities with more than 14 hours of programming beginning Thursday, Aug. 3. Coverage will be streamed live and exclusively to Sprint TV customers giving fans access to Hall of Fame programming when and where they want it on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network.
Sprint, the industry leader in meeting consumer demand for mobility, is the NFL's official wireless telecommunication services sponsor. Sprint continues to add to an already comprehensive package of NFL information via its exclusive NFL Mobile application by providing multiple ways for fans to track the NFL throughout the season while on the go.

Burton and Motorola launch 2006 Audex wearable electronics collection

By John Saria

Motorola and Burton Snowboards have announced the expansion of their joint Audex wearable electronics collection at the 2006 Burton New Zealand Open Snowboarding Championships. The Audex wearable electronics collection will be available at select Burton Authorized Retailers this month, the new 2007 Audex collection offers the ultimate blend of technology and snowboard function, enabling easy wireless communication and music entertainment for consumers on the move.

New for 2007, the Audex Bluetooth(R) Stereo System allows consumers to stream downloaded music wirelessly from a compatible Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to the Audex jacket allowing users to listen to music and make calls with a push of a button on the jacket sleeve. Outerwear styles that feature this system include built-in DJ-style speakers in the hood and/or an integrated headphone jack.

Burton-owned impact protection company R.E.D. also partners with Motorola to offer two helmet styles and one beanie style that feature Bluetooth technology, allowing users to pick up calls and listen to music from a compatible mobile phone without taking off the hat or helmet.

"The second generation of Audex products represents a strengthened commitment between Motorola and Burton to offer snowboarders new technologies that will enhance and simplify life on and off the mountain," says Bryan Johnston, Vice President of Global Marketing at Burton. "Audex technology is now offered in more Burton jackets, packs, apparel and accessories than ever before, giving riders plenty of tech and style choices." "Teaming with Burton allows Motorola to combine our expertise in mobile solutions with a company at the forefront of snowboarding," says Leslie Dance, Corporate Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications, Motorola, Inc. "The result is an exciting collection of snowboarding gear and accessories that make it easier to communicate and listen to music when you're on the move."