Exploding Motorola Cell Phone Kills Chinese Man

A 22-year-old welder in China was killed after his Motorola cell phone exploded in the man's chest pocket. Motorola officials are working with Chinese authorities to figure out what caused the explosion. The phone reportedly was exposed to high temperatures before it blew up.

Officials from Motorola (NYSE: MOT) are working with authorities in China to determine what caused a cell phone explosion that killed a 22-year-old Chinese man.

Xiao Jinpeng, a welder at the Yingpan Iron Ore Dressing Plant in Jinta county in western China's Gansu province, was killed on June 19 when the battery in his cell phone exploded, according to an Associated Press report from Xinhua, China's state news agency.

The Motorola cell phone was in Xiao's chest pocket, and had reportedly been exposed to high temperatures before it exploded, Xinhua said. Rib fragments pierced Xiao's heart following the explosion. After emergency treatment failed, Xiao reportedly died at a local hospital.

Investigation Underway

While there have been several reports of injuries in the past, this appears to be the first fatality resulting from a cell phone battery explosion.

It has not yet been determined whether the battery was an original Motorola battery or not, according to reports.

"Motorola's priority is, and always has been, the safety of our customers, and all Motorola products are designed, manufactured and tested to meet or exceed international and local standards for consumer safety and performance," Motorola spokesperson Jennifer Erickson told TechNewsWorld.

"At this time, preliminary evidence suggests that it is highly unlikely that a cell phone caused this accident; however, we are cooperating with the Chinese authorities to determine and investigate the root cause," Erickson added. "Of course, our thoughts and prayers are with the individual's family and friends," she said.

The Statistical View

"I don't want to sound unsympathetic to this poor individual, but the safety statistics are pretty amazing," Bill Hughes, principal analyst with In-Stat, told TechNewsWorld.

Indeed, with nearly 3 billion cell phone subscribers worldwide, one fatality -- tragic is it may be -- is still very small, statistically speaking, Chris Hazelton, senior analyst for mobile device technology and trends at IDC Research, agreed.

"With so many handsets out there, and such an incredible safety record, at a certain level it's easy to overlook the fact that batteries involve power, and when you have power, there's a small element of danger," Hughes added.

Ever-Present Danger

What type of battery was in the phone could have been a key factor in the explosion, Neil Strother, wireless analyst with JupiterResearch, told TechNewsWorld.

"Chances are it was either a secondary or aftermarket battery, or there were some extenuating circumstances," Strother said. "There's always that risk -- it could happen with any electronic device."

Chinese authorities have advised cell phone users in the country to minimize phone calls and to use only batteries from reputable manufacturers, a Forbes report said.

It's highly unlikely Motorola was at fault in any way, Strother added, so ultimately, the impact on the company will probably be minimal.

Loose Sparks?

Chinese authorities have classified the accident as a corporate safety issue, and ordered the iron mill to pay 100,000 yuan (US$13,159) to Xiao's family, according to the report in Forbes.

Indeed, external conditions can play a significant role in factory settings, Hughes noted. In the United States, there are very strict rules governing the use of electronics in potentially explosive environments, since loose battery contacts in devices such as radios, bar code scanners and cell phones can create a spark.

"Even if you're not using it, your cell phone is still drawing power when it's on," Hughes explained. "If the battery shakes loose and you're in the wrong environment, a little spark could be all it takes to set off an explosion."

source: Technology News

Motorola Raises the Bar With Web Based Support Software for Broadband Service Operators

ORLANDO, Fla., June 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Taking new steps to help better the quality and efficiency of customer care offered by broadband service operators, Motorola, Inc. today announced a new version of its trusted web-enabled support software, eCare. Built on eCare's cross-platform functionality for both Windows and Macintosh systems, eCare 5 takes web-enabled customer support to the next level with a more intuitive and unified application interface.

Motorola eCare is a web-enabled interactive support solution that enables technical support staff to reach out over the Internet and resolve customers' problems through the end-user's desktop. The eCare 5 solution helps enable technical support agents to effectively resolve customer incidents through a single console that implements an advanced multiple trouble ticket interface. For the carrier class technical support agent, this innovation helps ease the servicing of multiple open tickets, limiting the duration of the support session and helping to improve the agent and customer experience.

"The rapid expansion of broadband services and related network devices has resulted in greater demand for remote support solutions designed to go deep into the subscriber's home network for faster problem resolution. Motorola is pleased to offer eCare, a strong field proven web based support solution that enables service providers a cost effective and secure way to resolve complex incidents through their subscriber's PC or Mac, further helping to improve customer retention and their bottom line." said Alan Lefkof, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola Broadband Solutions Group.

Available as either a licensed server or hosted solution, Motorola's eCare scales easily and affordably within any service provider's help desk environment and budget. With Motorola's product training and ongoing support options, carriers will enjoy the benefits of eCare within the shortest possible time.

Motorola will showcase all of the benefits of eCare version 5 at both the SCTE Cable Tec Expo 2007 show -- June 19th-22nd in Orlando, Florida, booth #1378, West Hall and at NXTComm 2007 show -- June 19th to 21st in Chicago, Illinois, booth #2831, McCormick Place, South Building-Hall A.

source: http://www.earthtimes.org

Motorola Introduces Good Mobile Messaging 5

Motorola today announced Good Mobile Messaging 5, incorporating innovative email and PIM capabilities that help enable mobile users to easily find what they need when they need it and get work done. New features include:


- Group and find by conversation and sender: sorts and groups emails by conversation thread and/or sender, helping users to easily pinpoint important messages and save time by filing and/or deleting an entire thread or group
- Complete calendaring: helps invite participants to a meeting, provide real-time visibility into their free/busy status; and automatically suggests and reserves conference rooms based on past preferences and availability
- Edit and send documents: securely accesses corporate intranets using Good Mobile Intranet (GMI); enables downloads of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF documents directly to the smartphone; allows users to edit files and attach them to outbound emails
- Dial without password: dials a contact from a password-protected phone without requiring users to enter the password - all while keeping email and contacts data secure
- Third-party access to contacts: option to provide third-party applications, such as voice dialing and SMS, with access to Good contacts, helping to enhance device usability

Good 5 introduces a number of new customizable features that personalize the mobile experience:

- Mobile RSS reader and subscription manager: helps keep users current with information from preferred sources - including business news and alerts. Subscribe to, manage, and preview feeds - all without having to leave the email inbox, launch a third-party application, or navigate a mobile Web browser
- Priority mail: helps quickly identify messages that are important to individuals based on their unique preferences; defines and distinctly marks priority mail by sender, distribution list, who's in the to: or cc: fields, and other user-selected criteria
- Personalized notifications: assigns unique sounds and alerts to priority emails, so that users are less likely to miss the emails that matter most

Good 5 helps provide more control by giving IT professionals all of the advanced device and data protection capabilities previously available only through the Good Mobile Defense product, through a single-management console and complete over-the-air controls. Features include:

- Mandatory applications: helps set and enforce the installation of mandatory applications like anti-virus checkers to ensure that users have what they need - both to do their jobs and to comply with corporate security policies Application lockdown: blacklists and prevents the launch of unapproved applications Device lockdown: locks down the camera, infra-red (IR), WiFi and/or Bluetooth wireless technology ports; enforces SD card encryption Advanced password management: enables administrators to set granular criteria for password characteristics, restrictions, and expirations Advanced encryption management: provides rules-based enforcement of SD card and database encryption policies Simplified load balancing: enables IT to move users across servers to facilitate load balancing - without the need to re-provision

Good 5 is expected to be available in September through cellular operators worldwide, certified value-added resellers, and directly through Motorola Good Technology Group. The software and service will support a broad choice of the industry's most popular smartphones, running on both IBM Lotus Domino and Microsoft Exchange.

source mobiledia.com

Motorola Deluxe ic902 Walkie-Talkie Phone Announced

Sprint today announced the Motorola Deluxe ic902, the newest phone utilizing the Nextel National Network (iDEN) for walkie-talkie services and the Sprint Nationwide Network (CDMA) for voice and data services. The ic902 will utilize both of Sprint's networks depending upon the service being used. For walkie-talkie services, the handset will operate on the Nextel National Network (iDEN) giving customers the ability to instantly connect with more than 20 million Nextel Walkie-Talkie users coast to coast.

Customers can also use walkie-talkie service in and between up to five countries (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Peru) on the world's largest walkie-talkie network. The ic902 also supports Direct Talk for short-range off-network walkie-talkie conversations between users with other Direct Talk-capable Nextel phones. As the first in this category to support Power Vision capabilities, key features include:

- Nextel Walkie-Talkie service - best-in-class walkie-talkie service that instantly connects users to all other Nextel Walkie-Talkie users - across town, the country and even across borders to Latin America and Canada. Includes support for advanced walkie-talkie features including Direct Talk, the off-network Walkie-Talkie service; Group Connect; and Direct Send.
- Increased data speeds - Sprint Mobile Broadband Network delivers increased data speeds via EV-DO Rev. 0 technology.
- Built-in 2.0-megapixel camera - supports Sprint Picture Mail for capturing and sharing important business or personal images.
- Sprint Music Store - allows users to browse and wirelessly download full-length songs directly to their phone for only 99 cents each with a Power Vision data plan.
- Sprint TV - delivers more than 50 channels of live television and on-demand video and audio.
- Bluetooth Stereo - enables hands-free communication with a wireless stereo earpiece or transmit data wirelessly from a compatible Bluetooth-Enabled device (up to 30 feet).
- MP3 player - heightens productivity and entertainment; listen to music, audio files or podcasts.
- MicroSD slot - stores songs, video, and pictures to a removable microSD (TransFlash) memory card, which can be easily transferred to a PC with included SD adapter and USB adapter. 128 MB microSD included.
- OnDemand - retrieve customized, up-to-date web content such as Sports, Weather, News, Money and Movie Information with the push of a button.

The Motorola Deluxe ic902 is the first PowerSource phone from Sprint to support PowerVision services, giving customer access to productivity-enhancing data speeds and entertainment services like music (standard Vision charges apply).

The ic902 also features Bluetooth Stereo capabilities for pairing with compatible headsets and other devices as well as an integrated MP3 player with the ability to enjoy MP3s, audio files and audio podcasts. Multimedia files are easily stored on the included 128 MB microSD removable memory card. The ic902 weighs only 4.8 ounces and is less than one inch thick. It also has a vibrant color screen and external display so customers can see who is calling.

The ic902 supports SMS text messaging and is GPS-enabled for navigation, including support for TeleNav.

source mobiledia.com

Motorola and Sanyo Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction

Motorola and Sanyo tied in highest overall customer satisfaction with cell phones, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 U.S. Wireless Mobile Phone Evaluation Study.


The study found that Motorola performed particularly well in the physical design, operation and features factors, while Sanyo received high ratings in operation and battery functionality. Following Motorola and Sanyo in the rankings and performing above the industry average are Samsung and LG, respectively.

Other findings include customers keeping their mobile handsets for an average of 17.5 months - an increase from 16.6 months since the last reporting period (November 2006). This marks the first increase in the reported ownership cycle since 2002, when the average was 18.4 months. The increase in ownership tenure is roughly equal across major handset brands.

Additionally the price a customer pays for their mobile phone has dropped from an average of $103 in 2002 to $93 in 2007. The decline is primarily due to discounts given by handset providers and wireless service carriers to incentivize sales. Currently, 36 percent of customers report receiving a free mobile phone when subscribing to a wireless service - up considerably from 28 percent in the 2002 study.

The study also finds several key wireless handset usage patterns:

- Sixty-nine percent of all cell phones owned are a clamshell design - an increase of 19 percent from 2006. This compares to 29 percent for the candy-bar style, and 2 percent for the slide-cover design.
- Handset features that are used most frequently include: speakerphone (51 percent); camera capabilities (35 percent); services to send/receive short messages (22 percent); and gaming (16 percent).
- More than one-half of all current wireless users compared other handset brands before selecting their current wireless phone. Those customers who compare phones during the selection process are more likely to be satisfied overall with their current handset than those who do not.

Volume 1 of the 2007 U.S. Wireless Mobile Phone Evaluation Study is based on experiences reported by 21,520 wireless users who have owned their current mobile phone for less than two years. The results are from the two most recent study reporting waves, which were conducted in October 2006 and February 2007.

source mobiledia.com

Motorola Launches the First 3G i-mode Handset in Hong Kong

Motorola Inc. recently launched the new 3G MOTORAZR maxx V3 i-mode in Hong Kong. MOTORAZR maxx V3 i-mode is the first 3G handset that supports the brand new i-mode services, launched by 3 Hong Kong.

Featuring the perfect blend of broadband-like speed, dynamic multimedia capabilities and cutting-edge design, MOTORAZR maxx V3 i-mode offers users the fastest access to the exciting i-mode mobile entertainment world at the speed of up to 3.6Mbps. With just one click on the dedicated i-mode button, customers can enjoy the fascinating world of mobile entertainment brought by i-mode services from 3 Hong Kong.

MOTORAZR maxx V3 i-mode supports Adobe Macromedia Flash Player, which allows users to view animated contents at the captivating i-mode mobile portal. Together with the vibration effect it supports while playing the 3D mobile game, the new MOTORAZR maxx V3 i-mode brings an enhanced interactive experience to all i-mode users in Hong Kong.

Motorola

Motorola RAZR2 Family Debuted

Motorola today unveiled the RAZR2, the next evolution of the RAZR brand offering CrystalTalk technology, up to 2 GB of on-board memory, Web browsing, real-time point-to-point video and fast menu navigation.



source Mobiledia

Motorola ROKR Z6 Announced

Motorola today announced its new ROKR Z6, a Linux/Java music phone with Windows Media technologies, including Windows Media Audio (WMA) Windows Media DRM 10, and media transfer protocol (MTP). The ROKR Z6 lets consumers "plug and play" with any personal computer running Windows Media Player 10 or 11. With fast PC direct connectivity via High Speed USB 2.0, the Z6 lets users access music seamlessly.

The ROKR Z6 music handset delivers the key elements in a music phone, including:

- Music dedication for one-touch access to the library and pauses music as calls come through.
- A 4-way navigation wheel to give immediate access to content.
- High-speed synching with High Speed USB 2.0 to side-load songs in 2-3 seconds, almost five times faster than a competitive music phone: a 500 song library in 15 minutes, instead of 2 hours. Synch purchased music from over 200 music stores, including Napster, onto the device from a PC; or side-load tunes from over 200 music stores worldwide - an advantage over most other devices.
- Finding and managing songs using Windows Media Player on the PC, which supports playlists, album art, search by genre, artist and more.
- Load up 2 GB microSD cards with the music collection; each holding approximately 1,000 songs and 70 hours of music.
- Offering more than 10 hours of music enjoyment in airplane mode.

source Mobiledia

The ROKR Z6 also features stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, for ireless mobile stereo with compatible Bluetooth-enabled stereo headphones and will be on sale in Asian markets starting in May, and in Latin America, Europe, North America and other markets beginning in June.

Motorola Z8 Media Phone Debuted

Motorola today announced the debut of the Z8, featuring video capture and playback at 30 frames per second and up to 32 GB of expandable memory. As the first kick slider, the Motorola Z8 will allow users to get mobile TV, video and music all on one device. As an added bonus, a 512 MB memory card will be included in-box pre-loaded with a full-length feature film – "The Bourne Identity" – from Universal Pictures.

The Z8 delivers design and functionality experiences by:

- Providing mobile broadband at 3.6 Mbps HSDPA for 10-second song downloads using a combination of OMAP2420 and ARM 11 processors.
- Offering a unique ergonomic slider design, gliding open and kicking out for a fit-to-face profile.
- Supporting dedicated keys to access music, storage for approximately 1,000 songs and stereo Bluetooth wireless technology optimized for mobile music. The ROKR S9 stereo headphones, bundled with the Z8, provide wire-free enjoyment with A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth stereo profiles.
- Including approximately 80 MB of free internal user memory and optional expandable memory up to 32 GB with high density microSD memory cards. On today's 4 GB microSD entertainment lovers can store approximately 12 full-length motion pictures6 or 70 hours of music.
- Providing 30 frames per second. The large QVGA 16 million color TFT display optimizes the viewing experience in both portrait and landscape mode, enhancing Internet browsing and game play.
- Integrating an 8x zoom camera and lumi LED light or record and watch memories with video record and playback capabilities.
- Supplying an intuitive UI for one-click picture or video sharing with friends or easy uploading to chosen social networking Internet sites, such as Flickr, MySpace, YouTube.

Motorola Z8 users will be able to access mobile content services from BSkyB directly from their handset, such as Sky's on-demand library of updating news, entertainment and sports. Sky's 'Anytime' application provides an access point to a range of live mobile TV services that include over 30 TV channels and allows customers to use their mobile phone to program their Sky+ set-top boxes remotely to record programs and place bets through SkyBet.

In addition to BSkyB, free content is open to consumers with the inclusion of the Podcast.com service, allowing consumers to download their favorite audio and video podcasts direct from the Internet automatically to their handset.

Motorola also announced that it will be extending its existing relationship with Electronic Arts to create a new category of immersive mobile gaming. Through this agreement the company will bring mobile gaming to customers with the launch of an integrated demo of EA SPORTS BIG "SSX3".

The Motorola Z8 will be available for purchase in Europe and Asia beginning in June.



source Mobiledia

Motorola Releases Purple RAZR V3i for Mother's Day

Just in time for Mother's Day, Motorola today debuted the RAZR V3i in a deep, jewel-toned purple finish.

The RAZR V3i delivers a combination of design and technology. Modelled after the original RAZR, the RAZR V3i has an updated and streamlined design, offering music capabilities thanks to iTunes music software. Now when consumers grab their mobile, they're also are grabbing a camera and MP3 player.

Beneath the iconic exterior lies a large internal color display as well as quad-band and Bluetooth wireless technology. With enhanced visual features, the integrated 1.23-megapixel digital camera and full screen view-finder features a zoom and video capture. Unlocked for GSM, the purple RAZR is available exclusively online.

source MobileDia

Motorola today introduced the ROKR Z6m, a multi-modal slider that delivers high-performance music on the go. Reflecting Motorola's design philosophy, the ROKR Z6m is a combination of clean lines and a slim silhouettes, with a music twist for active, mobile consumers.



The ROKR Z6m is a thin, narrow slider highlighted with elegant finishes. Crafted of rich housing materials, the ROKR Z6m takes full advantage of the slider form factor and make life easier by accomplishing most anything in both the open and closed positions.

Music is a priority for the ROKR Z6m. Featuring an integrated music player, the ROKR Z6m comes equipped with a 3.5 mm headset jack, stereo Bluetooth connectivity, and up to 2 GB removable memory. Additionally, consumers can transfer their digital music collections in seconds via the the USB 2.0 high speed connection.

Aside from music mobility, the ROKR Z6m comes with a 2.0-megapixel camera with landscape view, users can capture their favorite moments. The ROKR Z6m is expected to be available in the first half of 2007.

Motorola ROKR Z6m Specs:
- Thin, narrow slider with a multi-modal design and rich colors, materials and finish
- 2.0-inch QVGA with vivid colors
- Built-in 2.0-megapixel camera with Video capture and playback
- Supports a variety of audio formats such as MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA and other popular formats
- 3.5mm headset jack connection, and a dedicated lock switch
- Bluetooth stereo support of Advanced Audio Distribution profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP)
- Integrated Bluetooth Class 2 wireless technology for hands-free connectivity
- USB 2.0 high speed connectivity for fast file transfers and data access
- Mobile Phone Tools support for PC synch of phonebook, contacts, and media
- Internal memory and up to 2 GB of microSD removable memory for extra storage for music, pictures and other media
- CDMA 800/1900, CDMA 1X/ EV-DO, 1900 Mhz receive diversity

source: Mobiledia

Motorola RAZR MAXX Ve Announced for Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless today announced the will be exclusive availability of the RAZR MAXX Ve, launching on April 24.


Motorola RAZR MAXX Ve


Following the infamous lineage of the RAZR, the RAZR MAXX Ve weighs in at four ounces and measures a sheer 0.6-inches thick. Blending metal, glass and illuminated touch-sensitive music keys, the RAZR MAXX Ve offers VCAST Music and Video, Get It Now and Mobile Web 2.0 multimedia services.

Featuring an ultra-thin design and high-end finishes, the RAZR MAXX Ve is crafted with a blend of aluminum, magnesium and chemically hardened glass displays, and illuminated touch-sensitive music keys.

Within its lean form lies EV-DO technology for broadband-like speed and data capabilities. With a few clicks of a button, consumers can access the Internet for browsing and lightening quick over-the-air (OTA) music and video downloads, or immediate access to the latest in entertainment and news.

The RAZR MAXX Ve also boasts a 2.0-megapixel auto-focus camera for high resolution, extended video capture and playback capabilities and video sharing.

With futuristic touch-sensitive music keys that illuminate, users can enjoy their favorite soundtrack via an integrated MP3 player and Bluetooth stereo audio capabilities. The RAZR MAXX Ve also offers over 60 MB of internal memory with optional 2 GB expandable microSD memory cards for storing music, content, games and more.

The Motorola RAZR MAXX Ve is expected to be available in Q1 2007.

Motorola RAZR MAXX Ve Specs:

- Futuristic touch sensitive music keys with elegant lighting
- 2.0-megapixel auto-focus camera with 4x digital zoom for outstanding still imaging
- Video capture/playback and video sharing using H.263 and MPEG 4
- Enhanced audio features for premium music listening on-the-go including MP3, WMA
- Version 1.2 Bluetooth wireless technology with stereo headset profile
- EV-DO for downloading data with extreme speed
- Location based services capable
- Over 60 MB user available memory and 2 GB of optional removable microSD memory
- Bands/Modes: CDMA 1X/EvDO 800/900


source site: Mobiledia