iPhone-Hacks.com has posted up a sumary of a new app that promises ubiquitous VoIP on the iPhone.

iCall is a newly announced app coming out on Apple’s App Store. It promises seamless call switching between VoIP via WiFi and regular calls. There will be no hacking involved, they are fully approved Apple developer. iCall has a two tier system with a free version and a ‘pro’ version with added features. iCall is their own service provider so don’t expect to use this application with any of your current VoIP plans like Vonage. It will be interesting to see how this will compare with other services competeing for the iPhone VoIP market. Like the previously released RingFree.

Here is their very short FAQ:

1. We are part of the Apple iPhone developer program. This is not an application for you naughty jail breakers
2. We are not using any undocumented API calls. We are following every rule that developers must follow.
3. No, you can not have a copy. We are not physically capable of distributing the application to any phones except our development phones. If Steve-ness himself wanted a copy we could not provide it to him. Sorry.
4. Apple has explicitly stated that VoIP is allowed, just not over Edge networks. Steve himself answered this question in the Q&A session after the last keynote speech.
5. We are huge Apple fans and plan to release a version of iCall for OS X, but we don’t have enough developers. (see question 6).
6. Yes we are hiring. Please visit our jobs page. We’ll even pay for you to move to Greenwich, CT.

Video after the break…iCall App Enables GSM to WiFi / VoIP Switching on the iPhone

http://www.icall.com/iphone/
Via: slashdot.org

Recognizing that no one style fits all, Nokia today unveiled a new range of products to let consumers express their personal styles on a number of levels ranging from stylish designs, to personalization through vibrantly hued exchangeable covers.
The first four devices to launch as part of the new Nokia Supernova range feature a mix of bold colors and of-the-moment designs, evoking the allure of the latest statement handbags or must-have sunglasses.  Aimed at style conscious men and women who want to stay connected, the new range delivers exceptional mobile functionality alongside a variety of music and internet experiences.

The new Nokia 7610, 7510 and 7310 Supernova devices give people an option to truly personalize their look by matching the style of their phone to their ever-changing moods with a choice of exchangeable Xpress-On covers in striking colors and glamorous surfaces. 

http://www.nokia.com/A4136001?newsid=1231580

Ahhh! Nature! Get it off; get it off! Just kiddin, I live right on the Sammamish River Trail in Redmond. Yes that Redmond. The new PN-40 has some great features and I love to hop on the trail with my bike. Check it out:

* 32-channel Cartesio chipset (real fast and very sensitive)
* Dual-Core processor for uber fast screen re-draws
* 500 MB on board Flash memory
* 3-axis electronic compas w/accelerometer (useful for when you end up ass backwards off the trail and need to know wich way is up.
* SDHC card support for 32 GB and higher
* USB 2.0
* WAAS enabled
* 65K-color daylight readable TFT screen
* Sensitive barometric altimeter for reliably accurate altitude readings…wait what? I guess when satalite is not accurate enough or in sight…Spelunking?
* Topo USA 7.0 software with complete U.S. topo and street maps included. WooHoo!
* More detailed onboard base map data for the U.S.

Sooo it look like it’s coming out this fall and I am sure it will be freakishly expensive like all cool kit ends up being.

http://blog.delorme.com/2008/06/25/announcing-the-delorme-earthmate-pn-40/

If you’re wondering how Apple can sell the new 3G iPhone for a price tag of just $199 (for the 8-GB model), it could be because it only costs $173 in hardware bill of materials (BOM) and manufacturing costs. ChannelWeb (crn.com) have a great teardown article on the upcoming Apple 3G iPhone.

From the article:

Here are some of the BOM cost breakdowns: 8-GB NAND Flash Memory: $22.80 2-Megapixel camera module: $7.00 Improved touch screen: $20.00 WLAN chipset: $4.00 Battery: $4.00 GPS: $3.60 Motion Sensor / Accelerometer: $2.00 HSDPA Digital Baseband: $15.00 Application Processor: $13.50 -RF Transceiver: $4.25 Display: $20.00 64-Mbit NOR Flash Memory, 32-Mbit PSRAM: $1.89.

Considering the overall teardown analysis of multiple products, iSuppli estimates that Apple’s iPod and iPhone products are typically priced about 50 percent more than their BOM and manufacturing costs. With an estimated subsidy of $300 and a price tag of $199, the new iPhone will give Apple an even higher BOM/manufacturing margin.

http://www.crn.com/networking/208800834

photo: http://www.ifixit.com/ from http://www.appleinsider.com/

Myvu Corporation’s myvu personal media viewer, crystal 701 allows viewers to experience their videos up close and personal from various portable media players, DVD players, mobile phones and game consoles.  The elegant eyewear brings traditional head-mounted displays out of the world of the techno-geek and into the world of the techno-chic.  Crystal provides VGA resolution and a significant increase in virtual screen size over current myvu models for true DVD-quality viewing experience. Complete with noise-reducing in-ear earbuds by Ultimate Ears for stereo sound and a rechargeable battery for up to 4 hours of viewing time, crystal provides a relaxing way for users to watch their favorite videos on-the-go. 

Macworld’s buying advice:

For $300 you’re going to be paying $100 more for the Crystal than for Myvu’s least-expensive video headset for the iPod, but you’re going to get better-quality video and a sleeker design. While it’s not perfect, Myvu’s Crystal provides you with quality, private video viewing on your iPod and iPhone—and these days, that’s about all you can ask for in the belly of coach class on most airlines.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,147504-pg,1/article.html

In response to the increasing demand for full-function handheld PCs for the mobile field worker, Panasonic today busts the Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1, the first ultra mobile PC (UMPC) to integrate the new low power Intel Atom processor in a rugged handheld computer for use in the field.

The Toughbook CF-U1 operates on the full-function Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems. The CF-U1 features a thumb-friendly and always-accessible backlit QWERTY keyboard. Panasonic LCD technology enables sunlight viewability with low-power, white LED backlighting. Its fanless all-weather design also reduces noise, weight and eliminates points of failure; its twin, long-lasting, hot-swappable batteries enable battery replacement without disrupting operation; and its magnesium alloy chassis delivers protection from bumps and drops of up to 4 feet. The solid state drive contributes to reliability, while also expanding the CF-U1’s operating temperature range.

More specs: Intel(R) Atom(TM) processor Z520 1.33GHz, 16GB solid state removable drive (32GB optional), 1GB memory, 5.6” WSVGA sunlight viewable touchscreen (1024 x 600 resolution), LED backlighting, Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link 5100 Series (802.11a/g/draft-n), Bluetooth(R) v2.0 + EDR, Integrated options include 3G mobile broadband, integrated camera, fingerprint scanner, GPS, barcode or RFID readers.Approximately 9 hours of battery life at 2.3 lbs (with strap and both batteries) 2.2” (H) x 7.2” (W) x 5.9” (D).

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-U1 UMPC will be available worldwide in August, 2008. In the United States, the base CF-U1 model is expected to be available at an estimated street price of $2,499 from authorized Panasonic resellers and distributors.

http://www.panasonic.com/toughbook

ThinkComputers.org just posted a good review of the CradlePoint MBR1000.

Quote: “EVDO is basically wireless internet access that can be accessed over a cellular network. Almost every cell phone provider offers EVDO service. What’s great about it is that anywhere you get a cell signal you get internet access. No depending on a hotel’s internet or a hotspot at a coffee shop for internet access anymore. I currently use an Express card from Sprint that allows me to connect to the service, but what if I’m on a trip with friends? Why should they have to pay $9.99 per day or more for internet when I already have access? That is where the CradlePoint MBR1000 comes in.”

Review URL: http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index.php?x=reviews&id=783

I just saw this on EngadgetMobile who saw it on eMercedesBenz who got it from the MB press release…just keeping it green by recycling folks.

Here’s how it works.  First, you must specify Optional convenience telephony (Order Code 386). The cradle then connects without any tools into the audio system either via the optionally available Media Interface or the retrofittable iPod Interface Kit.  Once the cradle is installed, your iPhone’s music and phone functions can be controlled with the help of the multifunction steering wheel controls, while the vehicle’s display is used to indicate the phone status, music functions, etc.  Other features include automatic recharging while your iPhone is attached to the cradle as well as increased reception with the help of your vehicle’s aerial.

If you’re interested, as already noted, the new Apple iPod cradle is available for ordering immediately (check with your dealer for local availability), while pricing is set at EU 249 (including VAT).

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/

From pocketables.com:

Since Qualcomm’s legal issues are still preventing the HTC Advantage X7510 from being sold in the US, the only way to get your hands on the 16GB Windows Mobile 6.1 device will be to pay through the nose for it. Dynamism, for example, is expecting their first shipment of the X7510 in late June and will send you one in exchange for $1299. Same goes for On The Go Solutions, whose stock is supposedly due to arrive tomorrow.

Although preorders were already priced at $1300 back in March, it’s pretty uncommon for such prices (which are often inflated to take advantage of anxious customers who can’t wait for official pricing to be announced) to actually stick. I thought paying $850 for my X7501 was outrageous, so I’m going to have to pass on its successor. What about you?

http://www.pocketables.net/2008/06/htc-advantage-x.html

Apple introduced the new iPhone 3G, combining all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast as the first generation iPhone, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhone SDK.

iPhone 3G gives users ever faster access to the Internet and email over their cellular network with quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for voice and data connectivity around the world. iPhone 3G supports Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE networks and automatically switches between them to ensure the fastest possible download speeds. The new iPhone 3G also makes it easier to multi-task with simultaneous voice and data communications, so with iPhone 3G you can browse the web, get map directions, or check your email while you are on a call.

iPhone 3G will be available in the US on July 11 for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 8GB model and $299 (US) for the 16GB model in both Apple and AT&T’s retail stores and requires a new two year contract with AT&T for qualifying customers. iPhone 2.0 software will be available on July 11 as a free software update via iTunes 7.7 or later for all iPhone customers. For further information about iPhone 3G pricing and availability in the US and internationally, visit http://www.apple.com/iphone

Sony Ericsson unveils the MD400 and MD400g - the first HSPA USB modems of their kind from Sony Ericsson not only providing high speed broadband but also a combined M2 Memory Stick Micro and a microSD slot brought together in a stylish and attractive design. Apart from an in-built antenna, an innovative additional swivel antenna optimizes the performance when in use. When closed, it covers and protects the retractable USB connector. The MD400g also has an in-built GPS receiver which automatically shows the user’s current location.

* HSPA technology - up to 7.2Mb/s download and 2.0Mb/s upload
* First USB modem with combined M2 Memory Stick Micro and microSD slot
* In-built antenna complemented with an additional swivel ‘Diversity’ antenna maximizes reception performance and boosts data transmission
* Innovative mechanical design allows the swivel antenna to also protect the retractable USB connector when the modem is not in use
* USB modem - can be used in any PC, laptop or desktop
* In-built GPS receiver and GPS utility (MD400g) which can link directly in to Google Maps and mark current location
* PlayNow shortcut link - just a click away from entertainment
* Auto-install
* Auto configuration

http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/products/mobilebroadbandportfolio/specification/md400g#