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FCC Investigates AT&T and Apple for the Google Voice iPhone App Exclusion from the AppStore

Radu Iorga — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:52:54 +0000

We previously informed you about the removal of all apps the used the Google Voice service from the App Store. Now, it turns out that the FCC is investigating Apple and AT&T for this decision, although Google has already launched a Voice web app that works on the iPhone.

The Wall Street Journal claims that the Commission has sent out 3 letters, one to Apple, one to AT&T and one to Google, the last of them asking the Mountain View giant to describe the Google Voice app and whether or not their previous apps had been accepted into the App Store.

Apple was asked to explain the decision of taking down the software, and if there are any VoIP apps allowed to be used on AT&T’s 3G network. Also, the Cupertino company will have to detail the app approval process and provide the FCC with the contact details of developers with rejected Google Voice apps.

August 21st is the deadline for answering these questions and we’re quite interested to have a look at those.

[via Engadget Mobile]

Velocity Mobile 111 Heading towards the US

Szilárd-Erwin Szőgyényi — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:31:07 +0000

Velocity Mobile 103 passed FCC testing and the 111 version followed closely behind, heading towards a possible release in the US.

The smartphone will run on Windows Mobile and should turn out to be pretty appealing especially for more old-fashioned mobile users. The QWERTY keypad will surely have its fans, although the design is pretty classic and won’t win the hearts of those aiming for something modern.

Velocity Mobile 111 has high chances to see a release in the near future. For its good, it would pay off to make it before holidays, as that’s when the toughest competition will take place in the mobile world for the crowd of merry buyers.

[via: pocketpcthoughts]

iDEN Motorola i9 Prepares for US Launch?

Szilárd-Erwin Szőgyényi — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:04:55 +0000

iDEN Motorola i9 has just been spotted at FCC, which might hint towards a soon release in North America. This is the land where RAZR phones have been the stars of mobile communication for a long time, which could mean that this device might also have chances for some success.

The handset comes equipped with QVGA external touchscreen display as well as internal QVGA display. Moreover, it also has morphing icon keys which change according to the vertical or horizontal position of the phone. iDEN Motorola i9 has to offer ModeShift keypads, GPS, Bluetooth and a 3.1 megapixel camera.

It looks like a pretty neat device, with some special feature to bring. FCC is currently testing it for a possible US release. Rumours say that Sprint might be bringing this handset out on the matter, although no official details on this have been offered by the operator.

[via: mobileguerrilla]

Sharp SH-01A Just Visiting FCC

Szilárd-Erwin Szőgyényi — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:40:45 +0000

Don’t let the unknown name fool you, Sharp SH-01A is not one neglectable little gadget. FCC just got to play with the handset, but there are almost no chances to see it out on the US market. It might just be too much to handle.

Sharp SH-01A has an 8 megapixel CCD sensor and 28mm wide-angle lens, so it sounds like most other camera phones on the US market eat its dust when it comes to taking pictures. The case is different in Japan, the country of origin for this device, where high technology is much higher than in other places around the world.

The phone also includes Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound and microSD memory card slot as less impressive features. Even so, it leaves no room for hope that the US market is ready for accepting and handling such evolved Japanese technology.

All chances are that Sharp SH-01A is now being tested for roaming purposes on the North American shores, but might not make it for a longer stay than this short visit.

[via: ubergizmo]