Cell Geek

Google Android has been a popular platform gaining massive amounts of traction in the mobile space.  Android looks to be unstoppable.  The open nature of the platform has been leading an initiative to allow your devices to operate in any way the hardware will allow, instead of being limited by the software.  Android version 2.2 (Froyo) looks as if it is going to allow USB tethering, and Hot spot creation within the operating system without the need for additional programs.  There is not information currently as to if carriers can disable this option in the operating system.

Recent screen shots have been whirling around the internet that appear by model number to be the Droid 2 by Motorola.  The device is labeled the A955, which in Motorola Speak would typically put it as the successor the the A855 (DROID).  We don't really have any other information available right now, but will report it as soon as we know more.

A recent study conducted by Devicescape, a Wifi applications vendor, has yielded interesting results. Nearly 80% of smart phone users would prefer to access the internet on their device using a Wifi connection, as opposed to a 3G connection. 85% of those being surveyed said they would be in favor of a city-wide Wifi network, and of those 56% said they would be willing to pay for the service. The popularity of Wifi enabled smart phones, have almost forced vendors to embrace Wifi connectivity to some degree. The biggest problem however, is that users are frustrated with log in proceedures for Wifi networks. The current proceedures are overly complex when looking at seemless roaming between Wifi and 3G. The city wide network model however, makes a good case for access. The data speeds available are higher than with 3G, and are also lower cost.

Skyhook wireless will provide Wifi Positioning support for Qualcomm applications. Wifi positioning systems use Wifi, cellular, and GPS data to locate mobile devices. Qualcomm has signed a license to allow them to include this technology in future handset releases. Qualcomm currently provides GPS support via GPSOne technology and is having issues with indoor, and in-city performance. WPS will help to improve the accuracy of GPS products where GPS, and A-GPS do not function up to par.

Windows Mobile and Nokia S60 devices that are equipped with both 3G and Wifi have just been given an early Christmas present.  Taproot Systems has unveiled their newest creation they call WalkingHotSpot.  This will allow their phones to dial into their existing data connection, and allow incoming connection with Internet sharing enabled over Wifi.  This turns the units into a personal Hotspot, and allows the device to receive an incoming connection from a laptop with nothing more than a standard 802.11 b/g Wifi card.  The software will be available for $7 per month, or $25 for an entire year if you pay up front.

The long awaited Thunder is the blackberry Storm. According to reports and a box pictures scored at Engadget, Verizon will not be getting the Blackberry Thunder afterall. The phone will be the Blackberry Storm. Not to worry though, the phones will carry the same specs. While the Storm is headed to Verizon the Thunder will be headed to GSM style carriers abroad. Rogers and Vodaphone are both expected to get a version of the same phone with the fabled Thunder monicer. From the packing we are told that the Blackberry Storm will included a microSDHC 8GB card pre-installed, pre-installed SIM for international, and the phone will NOT have WiFi.
Other details are not yet available.

{Boy Genius Report}