Sony Ericsson: Future Xperia Devices May Not Use Windows Mobile

Today, a Sony Ericsson executive commented that devices released under the Xperia brand in the future may not run the Windows Mobile platform. The Xperia X1, Sony Ericsson's first Windows Mobile smartphone, is set to launch in Europe later this month. Magnus Andersson, product manager for the X1, said that the Xperia brand is "not married" to any one technical platform. Sony Ericsson has mentioned that it plans to offer a range of devices under the Xperia brand, with the X1 launching first. Andersson did not say what other platforms Sony Ericsson would consider for Xperia.

Touch HD Spotted on HTC Web Site

A new, unannounced Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional device was seen on HTC's Web site recently. The Touch HD has a large 3.8-inch wide, WVGA (480 X 800 pixel) display and uses HTC's TouchFLO 3D user interface. It has quad-band GSM/EDGE radios and 900/2100 7.2Mbps HSDPA. It has integrated GPS, Bluetooth 2.0 with stereo, Wi-Fi, a 5 megapixel camera and a 3.5mm headset jack. It also includes a slot for a microSD card. It will be available in select markets starting in the fourth quarter, though pricing was not given.

TiVo, RIM to Offer TiVo Access Via BlackBerries

TiVo and RIM have announced that they are teaming up to deliver new functionality to BlackBerry devices. To start, BlackBerry smartphone users will be able to discover what shows are on and schedule TV recordings directly from their BlackBerry. Other ideas on the drawing board will focus on software applications that make access to mobile video content even easier. The first piece of software will be available by the end of the year.

Google Revamps BlackBerry Software

Google has released a new, downloadable software client for BlackBerry devices. The software adds a number of features, including faster search, search histories, and Google Suggest, which offers suggestions to search queries as you type. The new software also supports Google Apps, which means you can access your online Google Docs and Spreadsheets from your BlackBerry. It will also automatically alert users to updated versions of Google products. Google for BlackBerry is a free download.

AT&T Puts the 'A' in A-GPS

AT&T announced that it has enhanced its network to include assisted GPS capabilities. A-GPS uses cell tower location information to narrow down the search area that phone's use to find GPS satellites. The smaller search area leads to a faster time to first fix. AT&T is also bringing two more location-based services offerings to its catalog of applications. MapQuest Navigator and AAA Mobile navigator both offer turn-by-turn directions, local gas price information and more.

Verizon Wireless Dominates Cell Phone Call Quality Rankings

.D. Power and Associates announced the results of its latest study concerning quality of cell phone calls. Verizon Wireless ranked number one in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and West Regions, and tied Sprint for number one in the Southwest. Alltel ranked well in the Southeast and North Central regions. Notably absent from the rankings are AT&T and T-Mobile. J.D. Power surveyed 22,000 people and asked them about dropped calls; static/interference; failed connection on the first try; voice distortion; echoes; no immediate voice mail notification; and no immediate text message notification.