Droid RAZR, Galaxy Nexus, Rezound release dates slip out on Verizon

With Apple now setting a new standard following the release of the iPhone 4S, attention has shifted to the other smartphone-makers of the world and the imminent release of the latest generation of competing devices. Three of those phones now have potential release dates pinned to them, for Verizon at least, thanks to a leaked product listing obtained by Android Central.

Three noteworthy upcoming phones are listed on the sheet. Motorola fans will be pleased to note that the just-announced Droid RAZR is nearly upon us, with a Verizon release set for the coming week, on October 27, assuming the product listing is accurate.

The other two new and noteworthy phones on the list are both seemingly set to arrive on November 10. The HTC Rezound and Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the flagship handset for the launch of the Ice Cream Sandwich update for Android operating systems. All three phones will apparently be available for $299.99 with a contract. This still doesn’t qualify as official confirmation, but it ought to be enough to get Android fans stirring.

Oracle to buy RightNow Technologies Inc

Software company Oracle says it is buying RightNow Technologies Inc. for about $1.5 billion so it can offer a broader range of software and services that help businesses manage customer service.

Oracle Corp. said it offered $43 per share for the tech service company from Bozeman, Montana.

RightNow's board has agreed to the deal which is subject to shareholder approval. Oracle expects to complete the deal by late this year or early next.

RightNow's main product helps companies manage customers' questions and complaints. It is delivered over the Internet or "cloud" - rather than by installing software directly on computers.

Mobile Phones don't Cause Cancer

Mobile phones do not increase the risk of cancer, according to a large study involving more than 350,000 people by Danish researchers published Friday.

The results, released on the British Medical Journal's website, chime with a series of other studies that have reached similar conclusions.

Scientists from the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen looked at people aged at least 30 who subscribed to mobile phone contracts and compared their rates of brain tumors with non-subscribers between 1990 and 2007.

Outside experts said the large scale of the trial was impressive.

"This paper supports most other reports which do not find any detrimental effects of phone use under normal exposures," said Malcolm Sperrin, director of Medical Physics at Britain's Royal Berkshire Hospital and Fellow of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

At the end of May, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer decided cellphone use should be classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," putting then in the same category as lead, chloroform and coffee.

But just over a month later the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's committee on epidemiology said the scientific evidence increasingly pointed away from a link between mobile phone use and brain tumors.

The number of mobile phones has risen hugely since the early 1980s, with nearly 5 billion handsets in use today, prompting lengthy debate about their potential link to the main types of brain tumor, glioma and meningioma.

EU launches Satellite Navigation System

A Russian rocket launched the first two satellites of the European Union's Galileo navigation system Friday after years of waiting for the start of the program billed as the main rival to the ubiquitous American GPS network.

The launch of the Soyuz from French Guiana, on the northern coast of South America, marks the maiden voyage of the Russian rocket outside the former Soviet Union, with European and Russian authorities cheering at liftoff.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said it is the first time that two teams work together on the launch of the Soyuz.

"We have been able to combine the best spacial activity aspects of both governments, that of France and that of Russia," he said. "I am convinced that will yield us good results."

The rocket is expected to place into orbit the Galileo IOV-1 PFM and FM2 satellites during a nearly four-hour mission. The two satellites will be released in opposite directions.

"The first part of this mission went well," Jean-Yves Le Gall, chairman and CEO of Arianespace, the commercial arm of the European Space Agency, said in a brief statement.

He said the rocket is expected to travel over Asia, Indonesia and the Indian Ocean.

Antonio Tajani, the EU's industry and enterprise commissioner, called the launch "a great result" that sends "a very strong political message."

"Europe shows that she is capable of managing a big project just days from the European economic summit," he said.

The EU had all the pomp and speeches about the dawning of a new age prepared for Thursday, but was forced to postpone it for 24 hours because of a leaky valve that kept a Russian Soyuz rocket grounded at the launch site in French Guiana.

The Galileo system has become a symbol of EU infighting, inefficiency and delay, but officials are hoping it will kick off a trans-Atlantic competition with the American GPS network.

GPS has become the global consumer standard in satellite navigation over the past decade, reducing the need for awkward oversized maps and arguments with back seat drivers about whether to turn left or right.

Now, the EU wants Galileo to dominate the future with a system that is more precise and more reliable than GPS, while controlled by civil authorities. It foresees applications ranging from precision seeding on farmland to pinpoint positioning for search-and-rescue missions. On top of that, the EU hopes it will reap a financial windfall.

"If Europe wants to be competitive and independent in the future, the EU needs to have its own satellite navigation system to also create new economic opportunities", said Herbert Reul, head of the EU parliament's industry, research and energy committee.

There are still several more years to wait, but the satellite launch is a major step in getting Galileo on track. It will start operating in 2014 as a free consumer navigation service, with more specialized services to be rolled out until 2020, when it should be fully operational.

After the initial launch, two satellites will go up every quarter as of the end of 2012 until all 30 satellites are up.

The EU hopes its economic impact will stand at about euro90 billion ($125 billion) in industrial revenues and public benefits over the next two decades.

The idea for the program first rallied support in the late 1990s, and its development has been pushed back with delays ever since. When it became clear in 2008 that private investors weren't lining up to finance Galileo, the EU decided taxpayers would underwrite most of the program.

The European Commission said development and deployment since 2003 is estimated at well over euro5 billion ($6.8 billion). Maintaining and completing the system is expected to cost euro1 billion ($1.35 billion) a year.

Officials hope to delay the launch of the Russian Soyuz rocket by only 24 hours, although a new date will be announced once the investigation is complete, said Jean-Yves Le Gall, chairman and CEO of Arianespace, the commercial arm of the European Space Agency.

The launch was originally scheduled for last year, but adverse weather kept delaying construction of the Soyuz facility.

C Spire to sell iPhone 4S

Apple Inc. has said that C Spire Wireless, the country's eighth-largest phone company, will start selling the iPhone 4S in a few weeks.

That's a major coup for the small company, which provides service in Mississippi and surrounding states. So far, only the three biggest carriers sell the iPhone in the U.S. C Spire is bypassing the rest, including T-Mobile USA and U.S. Cellular, in getting the right to sell it.

Neither C Spire, which was known as Cellular South until a month ago, nor Apple explained why C Spire was getting the phone rather than the No. 4 carrier, T-Mobile.

Analyst Jan Dawson of Ovum found the announcement puzzling. He said, "Leapfrogging T-Mobile certainly feels like a slap in the face, and you could argue that there are others that should have come first".

The iPhone 4S isn't compatible with T-Mobile USA's high-speed wireless data network, so Apple would have to change its design or make a version specific to T-Mobile. But Dawson believes that's a minor hurdle to overcome. The iPhone 4 exists in two versions for different networks already. Chicago-based U.S. Cellular Corp.'s network is compatible with one of them, but it isn't selling the phone.

Sprint Nextel Corp. began selling the iPhone last week. AT&T Inc. had it exclusively for more than three years, until Verizon Wireless started selling it in February.

Verizon, the largest carrier, has more than 100 million phones and other devices on its network, which compares to 1 million at C Spire. While it's tiny in comparison to other U.S. carriers, there are several overseas iPhone carriers that have fewer subscribers.

Hu Meena, the CEO of C Spire, testified in Washington in 2009 that small companies like his were denied access to the most attractive phones, as those were tied up with exclusive arrangements with the larger carriers.

C Spire, which is based in Ridgeland, Miss., has subscribers in Mississippi as well as the Memphis, Tenn., Mobile, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla. areas.

Microsoft soon to launch Mango smartphones

Microsoft Corp, which has been trailing Apple Inc and Google Inc in the fast-growing smartphone market, said it will launch Mango-powered handsets from top makers including Nokia Oyj, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and HTC Corp in coming weeks.

The smartphone sector is currently dominated by Apple and Android phones, which together make up about half of the market, with Microsoft seen as slow to react to the rapidly rising popularity of mobile devices.

But some analysts say Microsoft still has time to catch up, especially given uncertainties among handset makers after Google's planned purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc sparked worries that Google may one day produce its own handsets.

"We've seen hardware manufacturers very nervous about what Google is doing. I think anyone who turns around and competes with you is a cause for concern," said Andrew Lees, president of Microsoft's Windows phone division.

Blackberry maker Research In Motion Ltd's recent outage problems might also ultimately help competitors such as Microsoft, analysts said.

Mango vs Apple, Ice Cream Sandwich:
Microsoft sees the United States, Europe and China as its top markets for handsets based on its new Mango operating system.

"As the price comes down, emerging markets do become a huge opportunity, but also the existing markets in western Europe and the U.S., because as the price point comes down, more people will get into the smartphone market," Lees said.

Lees said there were currently more than 30,000 applications for Windows smartphones, compared with about 500,000 applications in Apple's App Store.

Microsoft would introduce its Mango handsets in China for the first time next year. China is the world's biggest mobile phone market, with more than 900 million subscribers, although only a fraction are smartphone users, many of whom use Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy.

Microsoft would launch Samsung and HTC Mango smartphones in the United States and Europe over the next week or so, with Nokia following in various markets, Lees said.

Fujitsu Ltd has already rolled out a Mango smartphone in Japan.

Microsoft's comments come a day after Samsung and Google held the Hong Kong launch of the first smartphone powered by the new Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.

Ford automobiles to read text messages aloud with SYNC upgrade

Announced yesterday, Ford is rolling out a software update to Ford’s SYNC software that will allow text messages to be read aloud while driving the vehicle. While the system requires a compatible smartphone, users will likely hear the messages through the speakers in the car. The smartphone communicates with the software through a Bluetooth connection. This upgrade to version 3.2.2 of the software will be able to be applied to all SYNC Generation 1 2011 and 2012 vehicles as Ford is planning to retrofit Bluetooth MAP support into those Generation 1 vehicles. Users with incompatible smartphones or older cell phones will have to upgrade their phone in order to take advantage of the new feature.

This upgrade is made possible through Bluetooth Message Access Profile otherwise known as MAP. This protocol was designed to allow for transmitting email, SMS and MMS between mobile devices. However, the amount of MAP-enabled mobile devices is currently limited and have been included within the Blackberry Curve (9300), Blackberry Style (9670), HTC EVO 3D, HTC Sensation 4G, Motorola Atrix, Motorola Droid Bionic and Motorola Photon. Apple’s popular iPhone doesn’t support the MAP feature yet, but the company did join the Bluetooth Special Interest Group board recently. Microsoft has also been slow to show support for the MAP technology in its lineup of smartphones.

Users that are interested in getting the upgrade can visit the Sync My Ride site in order to determine eligibility. The upgrade is available in both Ford and Lincoln vehicles that are equipped with the SYNC technology. According to a 2009 study from the Transportation Institute at Virginia Tech, texting while operating a vehicle increased the chance of getting into an accident by more than 23 times. With the release of the SYNC upgrade, Ford is attempting to encourage alternative methods to checking text messages in order to keep the focus on the road.

Motorola Droid RAZR : Thinnest Smartphone

Motorola's Droid RAZR is the thinnest smartphone on the planet.

Mobile phones have come a long way in the last decade, moving from a mix of modest clamshell and candy-bar designs to widescreen smartphone powerhouses. And while huge lists of advanced features are all the rage these days, many still look back on the phones of yore with fond eyes. One of the most popular handsets of yesteryear was the Motorola RAZR, and now, 5 years since the company ceased production of the iconic flip phone, they are reviving the name. The new Android-powered device is called the Droid RAZR, and while it's nearly unrecognizable compared to its older brother, it just may be what smartphone fans are looking for.

The svelte new smartphone sports a dual-core processor, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of 1080p video recording, and 4G LTE support. The RAZR's massive 4.3" Super AMOLED touchscreen looks dazzling, and is encased in Gorilla Glass for added protection. The device is splash resistant, with Motorola promising that even the phone's internals are meant to survive a bit of water.

One of the biggest selling points of the original RAZR was its thin form factor. The Droid RAZR continues that trend, measuring a laughably-narrow 7.1mm - making it the world's thinnest smartphone. By comparison, the recently-released Droid Bionic measures 10.9mm, and the iPhone 4S checks in at 9.3mm. The back of the new phone is made of woven Kevlar, in case it ever gets caught in a Hollywood-style shootout. It will run Android version 2.3 Gingerbread out of the box.

The original Motorola RAZR:
The original Motorola RAZR debuted in 2003 and in just three short years it racked up over 50 million units sold, largely due to its super-thin profile and flashy appearance. But as smartphones began to grow in popularity, the modest features of the RAZR sent it straight to the bargain bin. But with that kind of name recognition, the new RAZR - which boasts a much more powerful OS and huge list of features - may be able to capture some of the old phone's magic, which is something many Android devices seem to be lacking as of late.

The Droid RAZR will be released in November as a Verizon exclusive and will cost $299 with a new 2-year contract. A suite of accessories will also be poised for a launch-day release, including keyboard and laptop docks that will expand the phone's capabilities to a larger screen. If you want to experience the rebirth of the RAZR line, you can pre-order the device starting on October 27.

Google unveils Ice Cream Sandwich phone: Samsung Galaxy Nexus

South Korea's Samsung Electronics has unveiled its new smartphone that runs on Google's latest Android operating system, the latest weapon in its battle to topple Apple's iPhone.

The launch of the "Galaxy Nexus", which comes almost a week after the new iPhone 4S went on sale, was initially scheduled for October 11 but was delayed following the death of Apple chief Steve Jobs as a gesture of respect.

Samsung - the world's number two mobile phone maker - and Apple are also engaged in a series of patent lawsuits over the technology and design of smartphones and tablet computers.

"We are very proud of this milestone," Samsung's Mobile Communications Business president JK Shin said as the new phone was unveiled in Hong Kong.

The Galaxy Nexus is the first device to use the new Android "Ice Cream Sandwich" - a title that continues Google's tradition of naming its operating systems after desserts in alphabetical order.

The firms said the new handset offers easier and quicker Internet browsing, an improved camera and enhanced security using face recognition technology.

It also features "Android Beam", a function that allows content to be shared between two devices by simply touching them together.

The smartphone will be available in the United States, Europe and Asia from November, before being gradually rolled out to other markets.

The launch of the Galaxy Nexus come as Apple's iPhone 4S has already notched up sales of more than four million units since launching in seven countries on Friday.

The Apple handset will be available in 22 other countries, including much of Europe, by the end of October, and more than 70 countries by the end of 2011.

However, Samsung is seeking a ban of sales of the new iPhone in Japan, Australia, France and Italy, citing what it called patent infringements regarding mobile technology, part of an escalating legal saga between the two.

The legal battle over the $100 billion smartphone and tablet computer market began in April in the US when Apple accused Samsung of "slavishly" copying its market-leading iPhone and iPad.
Apple has since sought a ban on sales of Samsung's Galaxy S smartphones and Galaxy Tab in Germany, Australia and other countries, prompting Samsung to file counter-suits.

The Korean firm Samsung is pressing Apple hard in the lucrative smartphone business.

Samsung Galaxy Player 4 and 5 available in US

Samsung's two-fold answer to the iPod touch, the Galaxy Player 4 and the Galaxy Player 5, is now available in the U.S.

These Android Gingerbread-based devices both closely resemble an Android smartphone, but they lack the phone component, just like the iPod touch. They're a good choice for someone who already has a phone but wants all the perks of Android as well as access to the apps in Android Market without having to sign a two-year contract.

Both devices sport a 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB of RAM, 8 GB of storage memory, expandable with microSD memory cards (up to 32 GB) and dual cameras. The Galaxy Player 4 has a 4-inch touchscreen and costs $230. The Galaxy Player 5 has a much more video-friendly 5-inch display, comes with a bigger battery and costs $270.

For comparison, Apple's iPod touch with 16 GB of storage memory costs $199, while the most expensive version with 64 GB of memory costs $399.

One can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Player 4 and 5 at Amazon and other retail stores.

Droid RAZR shows off a super slim figure

October 18 is a date that most Android fanboys have circled on their calendars, first Motorola is hosting a press conference and then later in the night Google and Samsung are hosting an event in Hong Kong. It is assumed that Motorola will be announcing the Xoom 2 tablet and a phone called the Droid RAZR. Droid-Life was able to find a leaked press image of the Droid RAZR.

It better be thin seeing how the tag line for Motorola’s press conference is Faster, Thinner, Smarter, Stronger. The RAZR is rumored to house a 1.2GHz dual core processor, 1GB of RAM, LTE antenna, and 8MP camera. The phone is also supposed to have a gorilla glass screen, be wrapped in Kevlar, and be splash resistant to meet the “stronger” claim.

It wouldn’t be a true RAZR phone unless it was insanely thin, so much so that it better be one of the slimmest phones on the market. The fact that it is an LTE device, gives an indication that it might not be as thin as we hope, seeing how the Droid Bionic is currently the thinnest LTE phone and is 11mm thick at its thinnest point. To put that number in context the iPhone 4S is 9.3mm thick, and the original Samsung Galaxy S 2 is 8.49mm thick so the RAZR has some work to do to catch up to those two.

It seems odd that Verizon would carry both the Droid Bionic and Droid RAZR, as it seems that there is not much difference between the two phones. Both have a 4.3 inch screen, dual core processors, and LTE radios.

iPhone 4S faster than all Android Phones

Apple does not even list the new iPhone 4S' internal technical specs - RAM, graphics performance, and processor speed - on the iPhone's "Tech Specs" page. Though, reports have surfaced, which suggest it's basically the same on the inside as an iPad 2. Arnold Kim of MacRumors notes it has the same Apple A5 processor and 512 MB of RAM as an iPad 2, but "is likely underclocked" to 800 MHz compared to the iPad's 1 GHz speed. The underclocking may be necessary in order to fit such a powerful processor into a smartphone chassis and have reasonable battery life.

According to benchmarks compiled by Anand Lal Shimpi and Brian Klug of Anandtech, a stock iPhone 4S outperforms pretty much every phone on the market out of the box.

Graphics - Rendering Egypt offscreen:
The 2.1 version of an app called GLBenchmark forces smartphones and tablets to render graphics onto an offscreen canvas, roughly the size of a laptop monitor. The original iPhone 4 was at the bottom of the benchmarks, rendering the scene at only 11.2 frames per second - slowly enough to be noticed as choppy. Slightly above it was the Nexus S - a single-core superphone - then the LG Optimus 3D, the 10.1 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab, and the Motorola Droid Bionic. The Samsung Galaxy S 2 was the only real standout from the Android pack, but the iPhone 4S beat it handily, rendering the scene at over 70 frames per second compared to about 40. Only the iPad 2 beat it, due to its higher clock speed.

Browser performance:
The "Sunspider" Javascript test is a measure of how well a device can handle (non-Flash) interactive web pages. Older smartphones like the original Nexus One and the iPhone 3GS took about 5 seconds to render the test page, while the iPhone 4 beat out even the Galaxy S 2 at 3.5 seconds. The iPhone 4S, on the other hand, took only 2.2 seconds, and was just barely beat out by the 8.9 inch Galaxy Tab. The iPad 2 did not appear in the test results.

Processor speed:
Processor benchmarking seemed to confirm the theory that the iPhone 4S is clocked at 800 MHz. Its dual-core processor was benchmarked as having almost double the power of the old iPhone 4, though, which had a single-core 800 MHz processor.

Android devices were not compared in the processor speed benchmarking, but the iPhone 4S beat them all by a mile in every other measurement.