LG announces noise-cancellation technology for mobile devices

Scenario 1: James is sitting at a noisy and packed bar with the after-work Happy Hour crowd. He’s chumming it up with the ole’ chaps from the office and his phone rings. Uh-oh, it’s James’ wife and he knows how much she hates him going to Happy Hour after work instead of rushing home. He ignores the call which always tips her off as to his whereabouts and only heightens her frustration with him.

Scenario 2: James is sitting at a noisy and packed bar with the after-work Happy Hour crowd. He’s chumming it up with the ole’ chaps from the office and his phone rings. Uh-oh, it’s James’ wife and he knows how much she hates him going to Happy Hour after work instead of rushing home. James has the latest LG phone with “DSE” (noise cancellation technology) so he answers the phone and tells his wife he is working late crunching numbers at the office. Now all he has to do is pop in a piece of gum for the drive home and he is smooth sailin’! 

LG’s new noise reduction uses dual microphones in the phone to digitally filter out background noise. The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Woo Paik, showed off the new technology in a demo reel that features a man in a quiet office calling his wife on a busy street corner (but we like our scenario much better). Hopefully, LG has a demo at their CES booth this year so we can get the scoop on how well it works - or doesn’t.

Privus Mobile’s Caller ID Service Now Available in Handmark Online Store

Privus Mobile’s cell phone Caller ID solution is now available through Handmark desktop and on-device mobile web stores. As the only cross-carrier, real-time Caller ID solution in the world, Privus Mobile has helped thousands of mobile users achieve the same level of Caller ID service that landline phones have had for years and now is available through the robust Handmark smartphone application store. Available for Windows Mobile, BlackBerry and Palm devices, Privus Mobile’s solution offers Handmark customers a revolutionary service with unparalleled reliability unlike any other offering in the marketplace.

“Our users are constantly telling us how surprised they are after downloading the demo and seeing how quickly they adapt and depend on life with Privus Mobile,” said Privus Mobile President Greg Smith. “I think this is largely due to the fact that people don’t realize cell phones only display the caller name if you’ve already programmed them into your phone book unless you have Privus Mobile. We look forward to bringing this same experience and enlightenment to Handmark customers.”

As the global leader in the development and distribution of mobile media, Handmark was the logical choice to serve as a provider for Privus Mobile’s full-ranged Caller ID solution. Privus Mobile joins the elite team of content creators Handmark features that are driving the mobile media industry. Privus Mobile will leverage the global-tiered distribution platform and go-to-market speed Handmark offers to ensure everyone has quick and easy access to its patented real-time Caller ID service.

“Privus Mobile’s service is a great addition to the Handmark catalog of mobile applications,” said Eric Pfeifer, Director of Partner Marketing. “Caller ID for cell phones is a trend we see having significant potential and we are proud to partner with Privus Mobile to offer their solution to our customers.”

Privus Mobile is specifically designed for smartphones. A full list of compatible devices can be found on the Privus Mobile site or through the Handmark store. Interested parties also can download a free trial of the software through the Privus Mobile site. The three-month license is available from Handmark for the Windows Mobile (smartphone or PocketPC) version or the BlackBerry version as well as through the Privus Mobile site. 

Motorolla SURF officially announced

Motorola officially debuted three phones this morning, one of which actually gets our attention. The Motorola SURF A3100 is a Windows Mobile 6.1 device featuring 2.8 inches of touchscreen goodness with a custom Moto-designed skin (side note: device comes with a stylus for all you old-schoolers out there), triband 3G, 3-megapixel autofocus camera, AGPS, and support for micro SD cards ramp its memory up to a whopping 32GB. The device’s radio is fully equipped for some sweet North American action; however, no stateside launch is mapped out just yet. Looks like the Asian markets will see this sleek little beauty before the quarter is out.

Rumor Mill: AT&T EDGEing out 2G?

We’ve been watching the rumor mill, and word is AT&T has been quietly reallocating its EDGE service to its weaker 1900MHz band, which means weaker coverage. According to AT&T, this move is supposedly reinforcing 3G and strengthening its HSPA services. While AT&T isn’t technically phasing out its 2G service, it is essentially doing the same for many customers (especially those already having trouble with their AT&T service.) While this won’t effect many customers in urban areas, those of you further out will likely have to purchase a 3G device to retain data coverage.

I know there are hoards of EDGE-loathing, first-gen iPhone users out there, who for one reason or another haven’t upgraded yet and still rely on the ‘archaic’ network to deliver data. And what about those Bold and 3G iPhone users out there who have seen your devices switch back to EDGE constantly? AT&T should strengthen the 3G network before taking the legs out from underneath all its ‘rural’ EDGE users. Clap your hands and say "Yeah!" if you agree!

Palm's Flagship Phone rumored to be a QWERTY slider Touchscreen

Even though CES is next week, we just can’t help but report leaked details about Palm’s up coming flagship phone. The new handset will supposedly be a slider with a full QWERTY keyboard and a portrait touchscreen. It will have full PIM support, email support and media playback capabilities. The phone is said to come loaded with applications and the new OS is said to be “amazing.” This year is make or break for Palm, and we’re excited to see what they’ve got up their sleeve.