Sony Ericsson's new Z310 mirror-finish clamshell phone

5 December 2006 -- For a phone that reflects your style whether you’re at work or at play, picture yourself with the new Sony Ericsson Z310. Announced today, this stand-out phone has a flawless, polished finish. The front icon display is integrated into the design, hidden discretely beneath the surface until a message or call is received. There are even eye-catching coloured light effects that can be assigned to contacts in the phonebook; so you can know at a glance who is calling.

Sony Ericsson Z310

“This stylish clamshell phone is one you won’t want to live without. Not only does it boast good looks and a vibrant colour, it also provides must-have features for this type of everyday phone: VGA camera, MP3 Music Ringtones & Bluetooth® connectivity,� says Steve Walker, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson. “The fresh look is also complimented by some innovative design features, normally only seen on more advanced phones.�The seamless, semi-transparent finish on the front of the phone allows the display icons (which signal when a new event takes place on the phone) to be ‘hidden’ beneath the surface. And a separate external display, also concealed under the surface of the phone, lets you know exactly who is calling.

Adding to the striking design is a series of novel light effects that serve to both personalise the phone & allow the user to ‘colour code’ their contacts. Simply assign a coloured light to your frequent callers and you will know instantly whether its work trying to reach you, your best friend fixing a date, or your mother calling to invite you to Sunday lunch! It is even possible to set the look and feel of the menu & screen display to match the time of day; a bright theme during the daytime and something more relaxing or subtle at night.

Although straightforward to use, the Z310 is loaded with features to help you organise your life and have fun along the way. The built-in VGA camera allows you to take spontaneous snaps and share them with family and friends instantly via Picture Blogging (uploading pictures directly to a Blog site from the Z310) or Picture Messaging (MMS). Alternatively, just use the phone as a portable photo album to make sure that your memories are always with you.

And there’s no need to worry if you can’t find your phone in your bag or under that pile of papers! Just link the Z310 to a Bluetooth headset, such as the comfortable & compact HBH-PV705 Headset, and you are likely to never miss a call.

You can choose the Z310 in the colour that best fits your lifestyle and your wardrobe. This luscious phone comes in three very individual colours: Jet Set Black, Blush Bronze or Lush Pink.

Z310 is a Triple band/EDGE/GPRS 900/1800/1900 handset and will be available in selected markets from Q1 2007.

Z310 - Features at a glance:

Imaging and messaging

* Main screen
* 128 x 160 pixels
* STN (for low power consumption)
* 65,536 colours
* External screen - combined Monochrome/single colour display (96 x 64 pixels) and Icon Display
* Built-in VGA camera
* Messaging - MMS, SMS and EMS
* Email
* Instant Messaging
* Changeable Wallpapers & Themes
* Picture phonebook

Music

* Polyphonic ringtones
* Music ringtones (MP3)
* Java Midp 2.0
* PlayNowâ„¢
* Direct links for easy download

Connectivity

* EDGE
* HTML browsing
* Infrared
* Bluetoothâ„¢
* Speakerphone
* WAP 2.0
* AMR speech codec – optimises voice quality & minimises interference
* FOTA
* Talk time: Up to 7 hours
* Standby time: Up to 300 hours

Accessories

* Bluetoothâ„¢ Headset HBH-PV705 (over-ear style)
* Deskstand CDS-60
* Bluetoothâ„¢ Car Speakerphone HCB-100

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications serves the global communications market with innovative and feature-rich mobile phones, accessories and PC-cards. Established as a joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in 2001, with global corporate functions located in London, the company employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide, including R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China and America. Sony Ericsson celebrated the 5th anniversary of the start of the joint venture on 1st October, 2006.

Sony Ericsson is the global title sponsor of the Women's Tennis Association, and works with the Association to promote the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in over 80 cities during the year. For more information on Sony Ericsson, please visit www.SonyEricsson.com

Source: Sony Ericsson

Grameen Foundation and Nokia Launch Village Phone Direct

Pilots Planned in Four Countries

December 04, 2006 -- Washington, D.C., USA - Building on the success of its Village Phone replication program, Grameen Foundation today announced a new initiative, Village Phone Direct. Village Phone Direct uses the existing mobile operator's network and allows microfinance institutions (MFIs) to directly implement the program, define the local marketing strategy, and control all aspects of implementation.

"We developed Village Phone Direct in response to requests from microfinance institutions," said David Keogh, Director of Village Technology at Grameen Foundation's Technology Center. "It allows virtually any MFI to directly offer mobile communication services for their communities." Pilots for Village Phone Direct are currently planned in four countries: India, Haiti, Angola and Pakistan.Grameen Foundation, together with local microfinance institutions and local operators, first launched the Village Phone project in 2003 in Uganda. In 2005, Nokia and Grameen Foundation started an initiative to expand the program and create new small businesses and affordable access in rural communities around the world.

Grameen Foundation has partnered with Nokia to enhance the existing program by making a "Village Phone Business Kit" available for purchase in emerging markets. This Business Kit includes a Nokia mobile phone, a booster antenna, a recharging solution and custom-designed cables to connect all the components. Microfinance clients can purchase this kit through their microfinance institution, taking out a loan which will be repaid with proceeds from the business. The client then becomes a Village Phone Operator and rents the use of the phone on a per-call basis to people in their community earning revenues from the first call onwards. The Village Phone Direct is a microfranchise model that creates a win-win opportunity for both the microfinance institution and the micro-entrepreneur with a replicable, sustainable business that will stimulate community development.

Antonio Torres, Director of Business Development and Industry Marketing at Nokia's Entry Business Unit, said "Nokia is proud of our continuous collaboration with Grameen Foundation. The Village Phone Project is a sustainable way to extend the socio-economic benefits derived from access to mobile communications to yet untapped communities. We regard universal access as much more than an industry goal - for us it is a responsibility."

Source: Nokia

NTT DoCoMo and Mitsubishi Electric Issue Advisory for D06 Batteries in D902i Handset

TOKYO, JAPAN, December 7, 2006 --- NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and its eight regional subsidiaries and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced today that some D06 series batteries manufactured through May 2006 and installed in DoCoMo FOMAâ„¢ D902i handsets could generate excessive heat and possibly rupture during charging if the batteries have been subjected to a strong external impact.

The problem is due to deformed electrode plates installed in the batteries. If the batteries are accidentally subjected to a strong external impact that results in a surface dent or similar depression, the deformed plates could pierce the batteries' internal insulation, resulting in an electrical short during, or right after, charging.The companies estimate that some 1.3 million D06 series batteries were manufactured through May 2006. The labels on these batteries bear one of the following clearly marked three-letter codes: OKA, OLA, PAA, PBA, PCA, PDA or PEA.

All D902i handsets owners will be directly mailed letters informing them that they will receive replacement batteries. Also, owners of D902iS and D903i handsets, which may possibly be equipped with the defective D06 batteries, will be directly mailed letters alerting them to check if their batteries bear any of the specified three-letter codes. Replacement batteries will then be sent to users accordingly.

Advisories will also be posted on the companies' websites, DoCoMo's i-modeâ„¢ portal site and in media advertisements.

For more information, users in Japan may call 0120-800-000 (toll-free) or 151 or 113 (from DoCoMo handsets) between 9 am and 8 pm (including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) effective today.

To date, DoCoMo has confirmed that one D06 battery has ruptured due to the problem. In addition, 17 other cases of D06 battery rupture or overheating have been reported. So far, DoCoMo has confirmed that in a number of these cases, the malfunctioning batteries had been subjected to extremely strong impact. The other cases are still being investigated.

Sales of the D902i, D902iS and D903i have been suspended for the time being.

About NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo is the world's leading mobile communications company. DoCoMo serves more than 52 million customers, including 30 million people subscribing to FOMAâ„¢, launched as the world's first 3G mobile service based on W-CDMA in 2001. DoCoMo also offers a wide variety of leading-edge mobile multimedia services, including i-modeâ„¢, the world's most popular mobile e-mail/Internet service, used by more than 47 million people. With the addition of credit-card and other e-wallet functions, DoCoMo mobile phones have become highly versatile tools for daily life. NTT DoCoMo is listed on the Tokyo (9437), London (NDCM) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. For more, visit www.nttdocomo.com .

About Mitsubishi Electric

With over 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TSE:6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 3,604 billion yen (US$ 30.8billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. For more information visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com
*At an exchange rate of 117 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2006.

Source: NTT DoCoMo

Dopod International Introduces BlackBerry Connect in Asia

December 6, 2006 -- ITU TELECOM WORLD, Hong Kong - Dopod International Corporation (hereinafter “Dopod International�) and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the availability of BlackBerry® Connect™ software on the 838Pro and C720W devices for customers in Asia.

Through the existing licensing relationship between High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) and RIM, Dopod International will offer BlackBerry Connect to enable customers of the Windows Mobile-based 838Pro Pocket PC and the C720W smartphone to access popular BlackBerry services with support for both BlackBerry® Enterprise Server and BlackBerry® Internet Service.“We are very excited to work with RIM and HTC to provide our customers with BlackBerry Connect on the 838Pro and the C720W devices,� said Jack Tong, CEO of Dopod International Corp. “We are committed to offering our customers the best available solutions to meet their wireless data and business needs. We believe BlackBerry Connect will add tremendous value to our existing product offerings and we are looking forward to bringing BlackBerry services available on more devices in the near future.�

“We’re pleased to be working with HTC and Dopod International to expand the reach of BlackBerry in the Asia Pacific region,� said Norm Lo, Vice President of Asia Pacific at RIM. “With BlackBerry Connect, Dopod International’s customers can enhance their mobile communications and productivity through the powerful features and convenience of the BlackBerry service together with the 838Pro and the C720W.�

Supported BlackBerry features include “push�-based wireless email access, wireless email reconciliation and attachment viewing through BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service.

Additional features supported through BlackBerry Enterprise Server include:

• wireless calendar synchronization;

• remote look-up of corporate email address directory;

• Triple DES encryption; and

• IT policy enforcement and commands

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server software tightly integrates with Microsoft® Exchange and IBM Lotus® Domino® and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based wireless access to email and other corporate data.

For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service allows users to access corporate and multiple personal email accounts (including most popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.

Dopod International is now offering BlackBerry Connect on the 838Pro and the C720W in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Availability in other countries in the region will be announced at a later date.

838Pro from Dopod International

Manufactured by HTC, the 838Pro comes with a smooth sliding keypad. It’s fitted with a 360-degree jog wheel and a QWERTY keypad for easy and simple data input and web browsing. It supports HSDPA, GPRS, EDGE, 3G, Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® V 2.0.

Featuring Bluetooth Wireless Stereo (A2DP), users of the 838Pro can enjoy stereo music wirelessly over compatible A2DP headsets. Users can download movies and music videos to the 838Pro’s 128 MB Built-in ROM and 64MB RAM memory. In addition, the 838Pro features a high-resolution color screen and 2 megapixel camera.

C720W from Dopod International

Manufactured by HTC, the C720W supports Quadband GSM, GPRS, EDGE and Bluetooth v2.0. It provides easy configuration as it comes with Netwizard and can automatically configure its operators’ settings. Running on the TI OMAP 850 processor, the C720W has a 128MB built-in ROM and 64MB RAM memory with persistent storage. It’s equipped with Microsoft Office programmes like Outlook Mobile, Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, Powerpoint Mobile, IE Mobile, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and Internet Sharing. Users can also have access to Adobe Reader, Activesync, Comm Mgr, Internet sharing, Audio Manager and PocketMSN. The C720W has a 1.3 megapixel camera and a 2.4-inch QVGA display screen.

About Dopod International Corporation

Dopod International Corporation is a leading mobile communications company that integrates mobile communication with information system technologies. Dopod International’s products are catered to the modern, ‘connected-everywhere’ lifestyle user. The company combines outstanding product design and excellent functional qualities that promote convenient access to up-to-the-minute information. Founded in 2002, Dopod has established a presence as a premier communications company throughout Asia.

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research in Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com

Source: RIM

Palm Canada Launches New Slim, Sleek Treo Smartphone on Rogers Wireless Network

TORONTO, Dec. 5 /CNW/ - For people who are ready to move up to a full-featured mobile phone that includes everything needed to stay organized, Palm Canada today announces the availability of the Palm(R) Treo(TM) 680 smartphone, a GSM/GPRS/EDGE(1) quad-band world phone exclusively available on Rogers Wireless, Canada's largest and clearest integrated wireless voice and data network. Customers will find the Treo 680 smartphone easy to use, slim and compact, yet packed full of features beyond its stellar phone capability, such as email, web browsing, messaging, multimedia, calendar, contacts and more.(2) Palm believes this product will appeal to price-sensitive feature-phone owners who want a more capable mobile-computing device. "The Treo 680 is the smartphone for everyone. It's small, sleek, fast and is available in four fun colours on the Palm Canada online store," said Michael Moskowitz, vice president, Americas International, Palm, Inc. "It's a great phone design for messaging and email, and provides users easy and fast access to the Internet and to their favourite music and pictures. The Treo 680 makes it easy for people to balance their business and personal lives while on the go."

"As Canada's leading wireless carrier, operating on Canada's only GSM network, we are proud to offer our customers leading-edge mobile devices like the Palm Treo 680. Email availability on a stylish, thin form factor will make the Treo 680 particularly appealing to small and medium-size businesses by enabling them to save time by having access to outstanding mobile innovation and email connectivity," said John Boynton, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Rogers Wireless.

With the introduction of the Palm OS(R) based Treo 680 smartphone, Palm is targeting new users in the rapidly growing smartphone and feature-phone markets. Market research firm In-Stat, estimates that 25 per cent of all wireless handsets worldwide will be smartphones by 2011. Research conducted by Palm suggests a substantial population of feature-phone users have not purchased smartphones, fearing they were too expensive and too difficult to use. The Treo 680 will offer an affordable, simple and fun way to get started and stay connected. Known for ease of use, Palm differentiates the Treo 680 smartphone from others in the Treo family by offering the following features, along with many additional enhancements:

New Design

- The Treo 680 smartphone has an internal antenna and slim form factor, making the device smaller and sleeker than its Treo predecessors in Canada. It has a full, easy-type keyboard, perfect for writing SMS messages and emails, and an optimal 320x320 vibrant colour screen for viewing web pages, photos, media and more.

All-in-one, Smarter Phone
- The Treo 680 smartphone has a unique user interface that further simplifies Treo innovations, such as the ability to respond to calls with a preset text message and add new phone numbers to existing contact information, and three-way calling. The Treo 680 also has integrated email and web capabilities, so users can stay in touch with colleagues and friends. The messaging application on the Treo 680 displays text-messaging conversations as "threaded chats," similar to IM, so users can see their entire conversation with a particular person. The Treo 680 smartphone also can be used as an MP3 player and has an integrated digital camera, camcorder and video player.

Additional Features

The Treo 680 smartphone offers many additional features, including the following:

- Added memory: The Treo 680 smartphone includes 64MB of user-available storage, nearly three times the available memory of the Treo 650 smartphone. Customers can add up to 2GB of storage with expansion cards for those large music or video files (sold separately);
- Improved web browser: The Blazer 4.5 browser is superfast due to its smarter caching rules and includes alternate modes for viewing web pages optimized for the device or as a regular web page;
- Enhanced multimedia: Customers can use the Treo 680 smartphone to play MP3s and manage and share photo albums;
- Built-in dial-up networking (DUN) capabilities: Customers can use the new smartphone as a wireless modem via Bluetooth(R) wireless technology to connect to a compatible Bluetooth enabled laptop;
- Documents To Go: Customers can view, edit and share Microsoft(R) Word(R) and Excel(R) documents on their Treo 680 smartphones in addition to viewing full-featured Adobe PDF files and Microsoft PowerPoint(R) presentations; and
- Bluetooth 1.2: Customers can connect wirelessly to other Bluetooth enabled devices. The Treo 680 has improved car-kit and headset support, and support for multiple simultaneous Bluetooth connections.
- Enhanced Email and Messaging: The Treo 680 allows users to sync contacts wirelessly, and offers new ways to easily sort and address email. >>

Availability

The Treo 680 smartphone is available on the Rogers Wireless network from $299.99 CAD when purchased with a three-year voice and data service agreement. The Treo 680 also can be purchased at Palm Canada's online store (http://canadastore.palm.com) in four cool colours - crimson, copper, arctic and graphite.

About Rogers Wireless

Rogers Wireless Inc. is Canada's largest wireless voice and data communications services provider with offices in Canadian cities across the country, more than 6.5 million customers, and two powerful brands: Rogers Wireless and Fido. Rogers Wireless, which operates Canada's largest and clearest integrated wireless voice and data network, providing advanced voice and wireless data solutions to customers from coast to coast, is Canada's only carrier operating on the GSM/GPRS technology platform, the world standard for wireless communications technology and the only technology that enables roaming around the world in over 180 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI; NYSE: RG), a diversified Canadian communications and media company. For further information, please visit www.rogers.com

About Palm, Inc.

Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM), a leader in mobile computing, strives to put the power of computing in people's hands so they can access and share their most important information. The company's products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm(R) Treo(TM) smartphones, Palm handheld computers, and Palm LifeDrive(TM) mobile managers, as well as software, services and accessories. Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm Retail Stores and Palm online stores (http://canadastore.palm.com) More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com

Source: Rogers Wireless

Alltel Wireless offers BlackBerry 8703e with wireless broadband service and GPS Navigation

Sleek handheld delivers high-speed e-mail, application and browser access

BlackBerry 8703e

Dec. 7, 2006 -- LITTLE ROCK, Ark. and WATERLOO, Ontario - Alltel Wireless, America's largest network, and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry® 8703e wireless handset is available to Alltel customers. The BlackBerry 8703e supports phone, e-mail, messaging, organizer, browser and other mobile applications that work on Alltel's next generation high-speed Axcess Broadband network and supports turn-by-turn navigation with its built-in GPS capabilities.

"The BlackBerry 8703e is a great fit for mobile professionals who demand superior e-mail, browsing and voice performance in a secure, lightweight, all-in-one device," said Wade McGill, senior vice president of product management for Alltel Wireless. "On Alltel's Axcess Broadband network, the BlackBerry 8703e provides customers with wireless access to the Internet at speeds comparable to wired broadband connections such as cable modem or DSL."The BlackBerry 8703e is available from Alltel for $249.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. The price is available to new customers on two-year service agreements as well as to existing eligible customers on qualifying rate plans.

"The BlackBerry 8703e running on the Alltel Network is a high-performance productivity tool that delivers the functionality and flexibility that mobile professionals want while away from their desk," said Mark Guibert, vice president, corporate marketing, Research In Motion. "We are very pleased to be working together to offer this powerful handset to Alltel customers."

The BlackBerry 8703e allows customers to maintain wireless connectivity nationwide to a full suite of applications. It features a bright, high-resolution color LCD screen that provides ample workspace for viewing e-mail, Web pages, and other applications. Intelligent light sensing technology automatically optimizes screen lighting levels for viewing in outdoor, indoor and dark environments. The full QWERTY keyboard enables rapid, efficient and accurate message typing and information entry on the go.

The BlackBerry 8703e also offers first-rate phone features in a design that provides a natural feel while dialing. Placing calls with one hand is fast and simple and the handset includes large, dedicated "send," "end," and "mute" phone keys. The handset features intuitive call management tools, such as smart dialing, conference calling, speed dialing and call forwarding. And it comes with a built-in speakerphone, support for polyphonic and MP3 ringtones and integrated Bluetooth® wireless technology.

The BlackBerry 8703e runs on Alltel Wireless' Axcess Broadband network, which offers average data speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps with maximum speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps (1). The EVDO (evolution data optimized) service provides Alltel Wireless customers with the ability to surf the Internet and access e-mail, calendars and large, graphic-rich files in dozens of markets, including Cleveland, Charlotte, Tampa and Phoenix. Alltel plans to launch Axcess Broadband in numerous additional cities in 2006 and 2007, giving it one of the largest EVDO footprints of any U.S. carrier. Where Axcess Broadband is not yet offered, the BlackBerry 8703e operates seamlessly on Alltel's Axcess MobileLink 1xRTT network with average data speeds of 40-70 Kbps with bursts up to 144 Kbps.

Alltel is offering the BlackBerry 8703e with key value-added applications designed to maximize utility from the powerful handset. A mobile software store from Handango™ enables on-device software purchases from a catalog of productivity and entertainment titles. Handmark® Pocket Express™ delivers news, weather, sports, maps, directory look-ups, movie showtimes and other mobile content to Alltel subscribers. And TeleNav GPS Navigator™ leverages the built-in assisted-GPS technology of the handset to provide turn-by-turn, voice and onscreen driving directions to virtually any U.S. destination. Customers can find these applications at www.handango.com/alltel, www.handmark.com/alltel, and www.telenav.com, respectively, and will soon be able to have them delivered via "Virtual Preload" directly to their BlackBerry 8703e.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit: www.blackberry.com or www.rim.com .

About Alltel

Alltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has more than 11 million wireless customers.

(1) Within EV-DO data wireless service coverage area only. Speed claims based on Alltel network tests. Actual data speeds vary based on network capacity and application design.

Source: Alltel

Alltel Wireless introduces Samsung SCH-u520

Ultimate entertainment phone also features Alltel's Axcess Mobile Guide navigation service

Samsung SCH-u520

Dec. 6, 2006 -- LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Alltel, America's largest wireless network, today announced that the Samsung SCH-u520 will be available exclusively at Alltel retail stores and at shopalltel.com beginning Dec. 7. The phone, designed to provide easy access to a wide range of entertainment features, is the first phone to support Alltel's new Axcess Mobile Guide service. The service allows customers to hear voice turn-by-turn directions, view maps, find locations, plan trips and more.

The Samsung SCH-u520 allows users to watch TV, listen to the radio, and access podcasts, all in high-quality stereo. The phone has a 1.3 megapixel camera, video capture and playback, and a high resolution display. It is the first Alltel phone to support A2DP Bluetooth profile, which allows customers to connect to a stereo Bluetooth headset and stream their .mp3 music through the stereo headset.Alltel's Axcess Mobile Guide navigation service, powered by Networks In Motion, the award-winning wireless navigation and location-based services (LBS) company, will provide turn-by-turn voice directions to any destination. Customers can also view maps and search for locations such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs. Axcess Mobile Guide is available for a $9.99 monthly subscription or a $2.99 daily pass (airtime not included).

"We are proud to welcome the Samsung SCH-u520 to the Alltel portfolio of phones as it offers all of the entertainment applications that our customers have been asking for," said Wade McGill, senior vice president of product management for Alltel Wireless. "As the first phone to support our new Axcess Mobile Guide service, our customers now have the ease of mind that they can easily determine their location, and how to get to their destination, at the push of a button."

About Alltel Wireless

Alltel (NYSE: AT) is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has more than 11 million wireless customers. For more information about Alltel, please visit www.alltel.com.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, L.P., a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US $7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com .

Source: Alltel

CSR adds text-to-speech to its BlueCore5-Multimedia platform

eXtension partner NowSpeak develops Mobile TTS for BlueCore

Cambridge, UK – 7 December 2006 – CSR (LSE: CSR.L) has further expanded the capabilities of its BlueCore5-Multimedia platform with the addition of NowSpeak Technologies to CSR’s eXtension Partner Programme. NowSpeak’s Mobile TTS software for BlueCore has been developed to run on CSR’s powerful Kalimba DSP, providing text-to-speech capabilities for Bluetooth headsets and in-car handsfree systems using CSR’s BlueCore5-Multimedia silicon.

NowSpeak Mobile TTS for BlueCore represents a big step towards a fully handsfree approach to communication. When a call is received on the user’s mobile phone, the name or phone number of the incoming caller is announced over the headset or car kit, allowing the user to decide whether or not they wish to accept the call. The TTS software automatically synthesises speech from the incoming text in real time, without the need to know the words in advance. This offers a significant advantage over pre-recorded speech systems which can only announce pre-defined words and phrases. Also, Mobile TTS technology offers voice prompts indicating the status of the Bluetooth device and instructions to improve usability.

“Our partnership with CSR is enabling us to move closer to our vision of putting Bluetooth devices at the centre of the user’s digital experience, allowing personalised voice-driven universal remote control,� explained Allan Davison, Commercial Director, NowSpeak Technologies Ltd. “We chose CSR’s BlueCore platform because it has been selected for more than 80% of all headset designs, opening a huge and growing potential market for our technology.�

BlueCore5-Multimedia is the only single-chip Bluetooth platform with a powerful 64 MIPS DSP and on-chip memory to support a host of third-party software for enhanced audio capability and expanded functionality to add increased value to mobile handsets, headsets and automotive handsfree systems.

The DSP-based platform also features enough power to support future software enhancements. Currently NowSpeak Mobile TTS for BlueCore offers caller ID, device status updates and an audio pairing guide in multiple languages including major European, North and South American and Mandarin. However, thanks to BlueCore5-Multimedia’s untapped processing power, NowSpeak expects to add support for additional languages, SMS and email reading as well as speech recognition for name dialling and music control and selection.

Richard Ord, SVP of CSR’s Wireless Audio strategic business unit (SBU) commented, “NowSpeak’s text-to-speech capability, running on our market-proven multimedia architecture offers a level of added value to our automotive, handset and headset customers that simply cannot be matched. Our decision to pursue a DSP-based architecture for wireless audio applications allows us to offer outstanding audio performance to our customers through our eXtension partnerships and encourage the mass market adoption of Bluetooth for wireless audio applications.�

– ends –

About CSR
CSR is the leading global provider of personal wireless technology and its product portfolio covers Bluetooth, FM receivers and WiFi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions, based around its silicon platforms, that incorporate, fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements.

CSR’s customers include industry leaders such as Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TomTom and Toshiba.

CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Dallas and Detroit in the USA.

More information can be found at www.csr.com .

About NowSpeak
NowSpeak Technologies is a leading supplier of speech technologies for mobile devices. Our next generation text-to-speech and speech recognition technologies can significantly enhance the usability of mobile devices by providing voice based user interfaces that enable hands-free and eyes-free modes of operation.

NowSpeak is based in the UK, more information is available at www.nowspeak.com

Source: CSR

Sprint PCS Vision(SM) Phone SCP-7000 by SANYO®

Sprint PCS Vision(SM) Phone SCP-7000 by SANYO®

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — 12/07/2006 -- The SCP-7000 by SANYO offers a sporty and stylish design with interchangeable faceplates and slip-resistant Dura-Grip™ trim. The SCP-7000's easy-to-use parental controls, which are also helpful for business users, enable restriction of incoming and outgoing direct dial calls and limit access to Sprint PCS Vision and Sprint PCS Ready Link services.

Additional must-have features include a high-quality speakerphone, vivid 65K-color internal LCD display and large easy-to-read external LCD display.Productivity

* Sprint PCS Ready Link for quick walkie-talkie communication.
* Parental controls restrict incoming and outgoing direct dial calls and limit access to services including Sprint PCS Vision and Sprint PCS Ready Link.
* SMS Text Messaging for communication without all the talk.
* Wireless Backup enabled.
* Voice-activated dialing for up to 30 entries.
* GPS enabled.
* Built-in speakerphone.
* Productivity tools include calendar, scheduler, to-do list, world clock, calculator, stopwatch and alarm clock.
* Voice memo records over a minute of notes or reminders.
* Internal phone book stores up to 300 entries, each storing seven numbers for a total of 500 numbers and up to 300 email and Web addresses.
* Large external LCD displays information even when the phone is closed.
* Standard 2.5mm universal jack accommodates most headsets.

Entertainment and Personalization

* Download images, ringers, games and applications make your phone unique.
* Pre-loaded with NFL Mobile and Sprint Radio.
* Packaged with two color faceplates (blue and black); additional faceplates available.

Specifications

* Dimensions: 3.4" x 1.9" x 1.0"
* Weight: 3.7 ounces.
* Main LCD: 65K color STN 1.1" x 1.4"
* External LCD: STN 0.9" x 0.5"
* Standard rechargeable Lithium (LiIon) battery provides up to 3.5 hours continuous talk time.
* Available November 2006 through Telesales and Sprint.com; Full retail availability January 2007.
* Suggested Retail Price $179.99; $29.99 with a two-year service agreement.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving more than 51 million customers at the end of third quarter 2006; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com .

Source: Sprint Nextel

Sprint Power Vision(SM) M1 by SANYO®

Sprint Power Vision M1 by Sanyo

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — 12/04/2006 -- The Sprint Power Vision M1 by Sanyo is the first Sprint handset with 1 gigabyte of internal memory – this massive storage capability allows the M1 by Sanyo to play and store up to 16 hours* of music or a combination of music, photos, video, and voice recording. Music can be easily loaded either from a PC or over-the-air music downloads from Sprint Music Store.

The M1 by Sanyo also offers access to Sprint TV, with more than 50 channels of content including more than 20 live channels and top-quality sound through stereo external speakers. Additional key features include a 2.0 MP camera/camcorder, built-in speakerphone, Bluetooth® technology, large easy-to-read external LCD display, external navigation controls and an internal antenna.ENTERTAINMENT

* Sprint Music Store(SM) provides over-the-air downloads of high-quality full songs (MP3 and AAC/AAC+ digital files)
* Sprint TV(SM) offers more than 50 channels including live television
* 1 GB internal memory capacity (Stores up to 16 hours of music*, or a combination of music, photos, videos, and voice recording)
* Advanced power management enables up to 16 hours of music playing**
* 2.0 MP camera and camcorder with auto focus and flash
* Background music mode allows music play while checking e-mail, surfing the web or sending text messages
* On Demand news, sports, weather and entertainment content
* Sprint PCS Picture Mail(SM)
* Enhanced gaming experience with 3D Graphics
* Pre-loaded with Sprint's exclusive NFL Mobile application
* Stream music to your phone with Music Choice, Sirius Music and others
* External navigation control allows easy access to music features
* External dual 15mm stereo speakers for stereo music playback and speakerphone
* Themes enabled for personalizing menus, favorite applications and standby screens
* Downloadable ringers, games, and applications

PRODUCTIVITY

* Sprint PCS Ready Link for quick "walkie-talkie-style" communication
* "Limit Use" function restricts incoming and outgoing direct dial calls and limits access to services including Sprint PCS Vision and Sprint PCS Ready Link
* Bluetooth® enabled
* SMS Text and Voice Messaging
* GPS enabled
* Wireless Backup enabled
* Advanced voice-activated dialing
* Phone as modem capable
* Internal phone book allows you to assign up to 500 entries

SPECIFICATIONS

* Dimensions: 3.6" x 1.9" x .9" Weight: 3.8 ounces.
* Main Display: 1.2" x 1.5" TFT (240 x 320 pixels)
* External Display: 1.0" x 0.8" TFT (128 x 96 pixels)
* Standard rechargeable Lithium (LiIon) battery provides up to 3.8 hours continuous talk time.
* Pricing: $349 SRP; $199 with a two-year subscriber agreement.

*Estimated storage based on 1MB=1 Minute; 128Kbps MP3
**Corded

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving more than 51 million customers at the end of third quarter 2006; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com .

Source: Sprint Nextel