Modu announced a fundamental shift in the mobile handset industry by launching the world’s first modular mobile phone, supported by variety of ecosystem partners. At the heart of the ecosystem is modu - a tiny, sleek mobile phone that is fully functional and easy to use. The modu can be slipped into a wide variety of modu jackets - stylishly designed phone enclosures - and modu mates — modu-enabled consumer electronics devices. modu’s ecosystem offers boundless possibilities in a simple and affordable way. Leading mobile network operators (MNOs) with a total of tens of millions of subscribers have already committed to modu, signing strategic partnerships that will see the first modu products available in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The MNOs are Telecom Italia’s mobile division TIM, BeeLine (VimpelCom) of Russia and Cellcom in Israel. Modu ecosystem partners also include mainstream consumer electronics manufacturers who have signed up to develop modu mates such as MP4 players, digital photo frames, cameras and DECT phones, enabling best of breed functionality coupled with modu’s personal communication experience. One of the first such partners is car multimedia and navigation leader Blaupunkt. Lifestyle, entertainment and fashion brands - including the world’s largest music company Universal Music Group - are also part of the modu ecosystem, partnering with modu to design stylish and customized modu jackets.

Modu, which was set up in 2007 by leading technology innovator and entrepreneur Dov Moran, the inventor of the USB Flash Drive and other ground breaking personal storage solutions, has developed a mobile phone that promises to transform the way people buy, use and enjoy personal communication. Dov Moran, modu’s CEO and founder, said: “The mobile phone industry is ready for a revamp. There are hundreds of handset models on the market: the trouble is that as a consumer you can only have one at a time and you are usually tied to a long and expensive contract. modu is challenging that with a solution that offers freedom, boundless possibilities and the opportunity to change your phone without it costing a fortune.”

Every year Valentine’s Day causes a major increase in the sms traffic that T-Mobile handles. In comparison to a normal day, on the 14th of February one third more text messages are sent. But unfortunately not for everyone Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love. Specifically for those people T-Mobile offers a romantic carriage ride trough the heart of Amsterdam. In a flashy white carriage a surprise awaits. Henny van der Heiden, spokesman of T-Mobile: ‘Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers but there is a large group of people with, for example, a lover that’s out of reach, no lover or even people that are lovesick.

As an extra service we turn the idea of Valentine around and give non-lovers that extra bit of attention. Whoever enters our white carriage on February14 can say with whom they want to be ‘Simply Closer’. Will it be prince charming, a diva that sends you an exciting text message or a Casanova that showers you with compliments. Guaranteed you will get through the day with a smile!’

As I mentioned in of what to Expect in 2008, there have been quite a few developments in technology and design when it comes to mobile phones. I had written about some handsets that I’m looking forward to testing in 2008 – they’ve already been developed and it shouldn’t be too long before I get the opportunity. Many readers pointed out that I missed a few deserving names, so I’m hoping to cover them in this instalment. What I intend to cover here are, simply put, works in progress.

At the top of my list is the Google Phone. And why not? It’s the most anticipated device after the iPhone. Of course, as most of you know, there really isn’t just one phone that’s going to be developed by Google. What’s in the pipeline is actually a Linux-based mobile phone OS called Android, which is projected to be one of the most open-ended platforms yet. It looks as if Windows and Symbian are going to get a run for their money. Hopefully, by February we’ll have some idea of what Google has in mind.

The use of mobile phones for long periods may trigger mouth cancer, shows a study by researchers in Israel. Previous studies had generated conflicting results. While some researchers had said they found a link between cancer and excess mobile phone use, a few scientists had rejected the claim. In the new study, scientists looked at the lifestyles of 402 people with benign mouth tumors and 56 with malignant ones. They were compared to a control group of 1,266 people.

The study found that five years of frequent use increased the chances of developing a tumor in the mouth by around 50 percent compared with people who had never used one, reported the online edition of the Daily Mail. Those who used mobiles the most were more likely than normal to develop parotid gland tumors, the scientists said. The parotid is the largest of the salivary glands located in front of the ear. Long-term mobile phone users tended to develop tumors on the same side of the head as the phone was normally held, they said.

Samsung Electronics a leading provider of mobile phones and telecom systems underlines its commitment to the telecommunications industry by showcasing an extensive portfolio of mobile handsets and technology at this year’s 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona.

Diverse, innovative and market-leading handsets and technologies, including a brand new Ultra Edition II range and the first European demo of Mobile WiMAX, further strengthen Samsung’s position as a design-led, forward-thinking company that heavily invests in research and development to advance the market and fuel consumer demand for innovative new technologies. Samsung’s design-driven, premium multimedia handsets are epitomized in its Ultra Edition II and Ultra Special ranges, which will be available during the first half of this year. Whilst its involvement in Europe’s first mobile WiMAX demonstration, due to be showcased by Samsung and partners, illustrates Samsung’s dedication to mobile technology leadership and investment in market-leading standards. Geesung Choi, President of Samsung’s Telecommunication Network Business, said: “It is always exciting to be part of such an important industry event, particularly because it is my first time attending as the President of Samsung’s Telecommunication Business. Our strategic focus on premium line-ups will be further enhanced this year by the introduction of our new Ultra Edition II and Ultra Special ranges.

In addition, the realization of Samsung’s vision for future mobile technology is clearly supported with our Mobile WiMAX demonstration, putting converged, mobile device at the hub of all communications. In 2007, you will see a continued commitment from myself and Samsung to listen to and respond to the needs of our customers even more closely and ensure we are producing devices that further enhance lifestyles, whether at work or at play.

Samsung Electronics a leading mobile phone and telecommunication equipment provider, today announced the launch of ‘Soul’, Samsung’s new flagship product for 2008. To make its debut, Samsung has chosen Mobile World Congress in Barcelona as the platform to deliver its new vision for mobile handsets to enrich consumer’s lives. Samsung named ‘Soul’ to honour the completion of its exclusive ‘Ultra Edition’ series of handsets, which offer a perfect balance of design and features.

‘Soul’, an abbreviation of “The Spirit Of Ultra”, will appeal to style-conscious users who are not willing to compromise between design and technology and search out the best of the best for inspiration and stimulation to enrich their lives.’ Soul’ will be supported by a major global advertising campaign and will be available in European countries from April.” We believe that is the answer for today’s style-conscious consumers, excited by outstanding quality design and performance,” said Geesung Choi, President of Samsung’s Telecommunication Business.

“Soul is set to continue the success of past Ultra Edition handsets, such as D900 and U600, and will further enhance Samsung’s leadership in the premium phone category.’ Soul’ is the ultimate essence of mobile; a slim, lightweight and stylish product yet still boasting all the essential functions in one single device. This product, a sleek combination of highly styled design and functionality, is a triumph of extreme opposite values, ‘Portability’ and ‘Multi-function.’

Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to sacrifice quality for good looks? Well, Samsung agrees and with the Ultra Edition range of handsets, you no longer have to. Available in a range of styles, starting with the world’s slimmest handset, the Samsung X820 at just 6.9mm thin, the new Ultra Edition offers something for everyone without compromising on features.

Each phone in the Ultra Edition range is all about a new type of slimness. Each is housed in a distinctive revolutionary design and is in a class of its own - the power and style of these mobiles have to be seen to believe.

• For those that love to slide, the Samsung D900 is an ultra-slim slider with a depth of only 12.9mm and also complete with a picture-perfect 3-megapixel camera, auto focus and macro mode for taking photos up close. Truly a technological masterpiece.
• The Samsung X820 is the undisputed leader of the ultra slim mobile pack, boasting the world’s thinnest profile of only 6.9 mm. Calm, cool and collected, this mobile is guaranteed to impress and amaze.
• Finally, the third in the trend-setting trio is the Samsung D830, a brand new clamshell whose dimensions fit in at a slim 9.9 mm. It is easily a design triumph in its own right and is guaranteed to be the signature slim clamshell design of the future.

“Mobile phones are increasingly considered a fashion accessory, but in the past people have had to make sacrifices in order to get this. We believe that the performance and function are as important as style, and our premium Ultra Edition range has been designed to offer the perfect combination of comfort, power and sharp sophistication“ said Ender Yavas, Samsung’s Head of Product Management. “These sleek and ultra slim designs embody the concept that more can definitely be done with less and this fact ensures that the Ultra Edition mobiles will effortlessly integrate into people’s everyday lives.

They’ll soon wonder how they ever lived without them.” The Ultra Edition mobiles were created to strike the right balance between sharp attractive design and inner strength, performance and simplicity of use. Samsung’s Ultra Edition premium mobiles set a new industry standard, whilst still maintaining the ultimate in signature Samsung design. For those who want the body as well as looks, the Ultra Edition mobiles mean that slim doesn’t have to be delicate, thanks to the use of new materials such as magnesium and titanium in their design.

Today at ITU Telecom World 2006, Samsung Electronics and Microsoft launched the Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 powered by Microsoft ® Windows Mobile ® 5.0, the first 3G smartphone with HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) support. Measuring only 11.8mm and weighing a mere 99g, the Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 is the world’s thinnest 3G smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard.

It blends the feature-rich, desktop functionality of the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform with multimedia capabilities to help people work on the go, stay in touch with family and friends or just have fun.” I am proud to introduce the Ultra Messaging i600 Windows Mobile smartphone with Microsoft. It represents the best innovation from both Samsung and Microsoft and makes it a perfect solution for today’s mobile professional,” said Kitae Lee, President, Samsung Telecommunication Network Business.

“Samsung will continue to explore new market opportunities with Microsoft and we look forward to collaborating together to bring more innovative products to market.” The Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 is the first smartphone in Asia Pacific and Europe that supports the HSDPA network for faster data transfer speeds, as well as seamless communications through high-speed connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR. It is also the first smartphone to support web applications such as podcasting and RSS Feeder.

Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 users can listen to stereo-quality music and view high quality video clips with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and a Bluetooth stereo headset. Internet browsing rivals the PC experience due to the device’s large 2.3” high quality color screen and wireless broadband capabilities. The Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 also includes a speakerphone, built-in voice recognition and support for a 1.3 megapixel digital camera that can record video. Built-in Pocket MSN offers consumers the consistent and familiar user experience that they currently enjoy with MSN Messenger on their desktops. With this offering, users will automatically have a separate Inbox for Hotmail messages on their device.

Mobile content portal ‘Mippin’ announces the launch of revolutionary video functionality for its global community of users, delivering the millions of clips referenced in RSS feeds to mobile data users worldwide. In a joint technology development between market leaders refresh Mobile and blueapple.

The service will convert and distribute flash-based RSS video content of any publisher, from international publishing companies through to independent bloggers. The process will see video transcoded automatically to the .3gp mobile standard in real-time for viewing on users’ handsets. In keeping with the popularity of video streaming on the internet, almost any content hosted on the web will be made available, including some channel content previously unavailable for mobile.

Videos will be available throughout Mippin wherever a publisher includes a clip. The service will give users the ability to search and view video immediately on request, providing a choice of preview, streaming and download options. Robin Jewsbury, Co-Founder and VP of Technology comments “Mippin prides itself in delivering perfectly formatted content for almost any device, so it’s great to offer pictures, text and now video in such high quality. But we’re also thrilled to offer Mippin users a new way to discover video on mobile.” Recently passing its 10 millionth page view since launch and with growth accelerating sharply, the Mippin portal provides mobile web users with an extensive catalogue of content for mobile devices.

With the inclusion of video, Mippin enhances the relationship between mobile web users and content publishers by delivering the full range of originally published content. As with the rest of Mippin, features such as rating, sharing and uploading to social networking sites will be available for video too.

SpinVox, the founder and global leader in Voice-to-Screen messaging, is making its specially-developed SpinVox for BlackBerry® plug-in available at BlackBerry from today. Adding SpinVox to BlackBerry brings the advantages of email delivery and configuration to voicemail - improving the experience for mobile, email-dependent BlackBerry users. With SpinVox for BlackBerry they can now receive all their voicemail messages converted to text and delivered as an email direct to their device, allowing them to see who called and what they said, and then reply with just one click.

Uniquely, SpinVox converts any caller’s voicemail into text - powered by the SpinVox Voice Message Conversion System (VMCS). Importantly, SpinVox for BlackBerry ensures that the inbound caller’s number links up with the user’s address book to present the caller’s name, and the ability to reply directly by email, as an alternative to calling or sending an SMS.”BlackBerry email delivers business efficiency and personal productivity,” says Christina Domecq, CEO and co-founder, SpinVox. “Adding SpinVox to the mix takes those benefits to the next level, eliminating the need to dial-in and check voicemail and making it simple and easy to check voice messages in the email format that BlackBerry addicts love.”The launch comes after RIM executives’ trialled the SpinVox Voicemail product on their own BlackBerry phones and immediately saw the benefits of receiving their voice messages converted to email.