WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Google Talk for iPhone Ready

2008-07-03T19:27:25Z

Google has released in the US a new version of Google Talk designed specifically for the iPhone and iPod Touch browsers. In addition to sending gmail messages from an iPhone, you can now chat with them while you're on the move, too.

From the iPhone browser, go to www.google.com/talk, sign in and start chatting. Google Talk runs entirely in the browser so there's no need to download or install anything.

There are some differences from using Google Talk on your computer. For instance, in order to receive instant messages with Google Talk on your iPhone, the application needs to be open in your Safari browser. When you navigate away to another browser window or application, your status will be changed to "unavailable" and your Google Talk session will be restarted when you return.

You can select from a quicklist of the people you contact most, search your contacts, and manage multiple conversations.

Memory Slotted Phones to Reach 1.04 Billion in 2011, Says Strategy Analytics

2008-07-03T19:14:44Z

The Strategy Analytics Handset Component Technologies service predicts that shipments of phones equipped with removable memory card slots will grow at an average 13% per year over the next five years, hitting 1.04 billion phones in 2011. The report, "Removable Memory Card Forecast: Slotted Phone Penetration Exceeded 50% of All Phones in 2007," reveals that 592 million slotted phones were shipped worldwide in 2007, representing 53% of all cellphone shipments. The report also concludes that, with nearly 57% of slotted phone shipments in 2007, the microSD (including microSDHC) slot format is now more popular than the MMC format. The microSD format is expected to hit peak penetration of 86% in 2011, after which it will face competition from other, new, high capacity systems, such as the Universal Flash Storage (UFS). Steve Entwistle, Vice President of the Strategic Technologies within Strategy Analytics, explains, "Penetration of slotted phones is already over 85% in many developed countries. We are now seeing significant growth in emerging markets where demand for music and camera phones is taking off." Stuart Robinson, Director of the Handset Component Technologies service, adds, "Demand for high capacity cards to store music, images, video and data will trigger significant growth in the high capacity microSDHC format during 2008 and 2009. Strategy Analytics expects strong growth in embedded memory, too, over the next few years, but the benefits of being able to upsize your capacity and transfer your data to a new phone make memory card slots an essential requirement for all mid-to-high end phones."

Mobile Video Phone Subscribers to Triple in 2008, Says Infonetics Research

2008-07-03T19:08:49Z

Communications market research firm Infonetics Research reported that worldwide mobile video phone sales neared $99 billion in 2007 and are expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years, despite the challenge service providers face in making mobile video services profitable.

The report shows that the number of mobile video subscribers topped 10 million worldwide in 2007, and is expected to nearly triple by the end of 2008, with explosive growth continuing through at least 2011.

Other report highlights:

Worldwide service provider revenue from mobile video services nearly tripled in 2007 and is expected to nearly triple again in 2008
Advertising will play a major short- and long-term role in ensuring the profitability of mobile video services, and mobile operators will be working throughout 2008 with advertisers and media buying agencies to sell their mobile video ad avails, which should become more prevalent in mid-2009
As more mobile devices emulate the look and feel of the iPhone, much like Samsung's Instinct and LG's VU, and become more widely available, subscribers will be more likely to subscribe to, and stick with, a mobile video service
Vendors of video processing and headend equipment, such as Motorola, Envivio, and Harmonic, are lining up with mobile network equipment suppliers to help speed the rollout of mobile video networks; partnerships and acquisitions along these lines will continue as the mobile video opportunity becomes clearer around the world

]]> Mobile Video Phones, Services, and Subscribers, provides worldwide and regional market size and forecasts for mobile video service revenue, mobile video subscribers (3G/MBMS, DVB-H, FLO, ISDB-T, S/T-DMB, and DAB), and mobile video phones (3G/MBMS, DVB-H, FLO, ISDB-T, S/T-DMB, DAB, CMMB).

"The amount of money it takes to manufacture mobile video phones with high quality screens and extended battery life will continue to drop considerably over the next few years, and as that happens, service providers will want to make sure they have the phones with the most revenue-generating potential in the hands of their subscribers. We expect the number of mobile video phones to quadruple between 2007 and 2011," said Jeff Heynen, directing analyst for IPTV at Infonetics.

Couch Potatos Text Rant & Cheer on The Score with MyThum

2008-07-03T18:51:15Z

Got a sports opinion to get off your chest, but you don't want to get off the couch? Now there is a way. The Score Television Network has partnered with MyThum Interactive to deliver the next generation in interactivity for sports fans, txtTV. Sports fans can now share their two cents on The Score broadcasts in the form of rants, opinions, votes and predictions - all via mobile SMS. Users can text in their expert opinions during select live Score-produced programming, including Drive This (4-6pm EST). Viewers at home will be able to interact with the hosts and help steer the direction of the programming. Sports experts will also be able to customize their nickname and hometown to help solidify their status as recognizable on-air personalities. The Score, with a focus on integrating cutting-edge user-generated content, is now taking interactivity directly to the broadcast with txtTV. "The Score is the only sports network that truly integrates the authentic voice of the sports fan," explains Richard Garner, VP of Programming, at The Score. "Utilizing SMS as another means for viewers to share their opinions makes perfect sense for our younger skewing audience." The interactive component is powered by MyThum Interactive, a leading innovator in Interactive Television Solutions. Michael Carter, President and CEO of MyThum, is excited with the opportunity to work with another leading broadcaster in North America. "Experience has shown that viewers want to engage with Television programming through their mobile device. We are proud that The Score has chosen MyThum to act as the bridge to connect with their viewers, in this meaningful and relevant manner." The Score continues to further develop interactive innovation in order to deepen the connection with its viewers. Plans are also in place to incorporate user generated pictures via MMS into the broadcast, as well as viewer webcam sessions and MSN Messenger interactivity. To learn more, go to www.thescore.com/iTV.

DVD Still Tops for Video, Mobile Spending Low, Says Knowledge Networks

2008-07-03T18:45:38Z

A just-released study from Knowledge Networks reveals that while consumers are indeed turning to new video technologies - such as online streaming and mobile video - most of their video-related spending continues to be on conventional sources such as DVD rentals and purchases.

New findings from, How People Use the Video Marketplace, also show that Generation Y (ages 13 to 29) - and, to a lesser extent, Generation X (ages 30 to 43) - is way ahead of Young Boomers (ages 44 to 54) in using emerging video sources, such as mobile and streaming, but their spending on such video sources is not significantly higher.

The research is part of The Home Technology Monitor, the authoritative source of information on consumers' ownership and usage of traditional and emerging media technologies. The study shows that the average person aged 13 to 54 spends roughly $31 per month on video-related content. Of this, about $13 goes to TV service, and another $13 from buying and renting DVDs; meanwhile, spending on emerging video distribution channels accounts for less than $5 combined.

Spending on emerging categories is dramatically lower than traditional

According to this Knowledge Networks study, monthly video spending breaks down as follows:

* $13.43 on TV service
* $7.60 for DVD purchase; $5.14 for DVD rental
* 76 cents for VHS rental; $1.85 for VHS purchase
* 61 cents on PPV movies and events
* 44 cents on VOD
* 37 cents on streaming video
* 26 cents on cellphone video
* 25 cents on downloaded video

]]> "DVDs are the bread and butter of content providers," said David Tice, Vice President and Group Account Director at Knowledge Networks and Director of The Home Technology Monitor^TM. "But the growing availability of video in digital forms is impacting peoples' expectations; we found, for example, that 84% of consumers expect to be able to watch video on the device of their choice. The question is, will consumers be willing to pay for the convenience of access in the digital world? And how can content and service providers encourage repeat use and buying in the new media?"

Methodology

Data on video viewing behaviors was gathered from How People Use® the Video Marketplace, part of The Home Technology Monitor^TM ongoing program tracking ownership and usage of both traditional and emerging media technologies.

Data for this release were collected between March 18 and 28, 2008, via a nationally representative US sample of 765 respondents, ages 13 to 54, using KnowledgePanel®, the only online consumer panel based on a probability-based sample of the U.S. population that includes both offline and cellphone-only households. With a sample size of n=765, one can say with 95% certainty that the results of a question asked of the total sample are accurate to within +/- 3.54%.

The Home Technology Monitor is the definitive source of reliable insights into consumers' ownership, use, and response to media-related technologies, from broadband to DVRs to mobile video. The program builds on two decades of research, combining top-quality nationwide surveys of technology ownership with special reports on key devices and services. These special reports are usually based on Knowledge Networks/SRI's exclusive How People Use® media methodology, a proven technique for studying the quality of media exposures.

Knowledge Networks specializes in solving complex, high-impact problems, providing extraordinary quality and service to leaders in business, government and academia. We work closely with clients to create healthy consumer-brand connections, effective marketing and advertising, sound public policies, and accurate social science research. We have established respected practices in media, marketing, advertising, and government & academic studies. KN excels in study design, analytics, and custom panel creation; we deliver affordable, statistically valid online research through KnowledgePanel® - the only available probability selected, nationally representative Internet panel.

Reducing Power Consumption Is Good for Planet and Profits, Says ABI

2008-07-03T18:36:55Z

Over the next few years the growing cost of bulk diesel fuel, coupled with wholesale electricity price increases, are likely to offset significant gains in cellular base station power efficiency. This will result in a collective network OPEX of $22 billion in 2013, according to a new study from ABI Research. Starting in 2012, however, the benefits of power consumption and efficiency advancements should start to rein in the spiraling operating expenditures.

Infrastructure vendors are focusing intently on reducing power consumption in their products through hardware integration, the use of remote radio heads, and software-based solutions that provide dynamic network dimensioning. These measures seem likely to reduce the average base station power consumption level by 43% between 2007 and 2013, a development that is eagerly awaited by the carrier community.

ABI Research vice president Stuart Carlaw says, "Although reducing power consumption provides good ecological credentials for carriers and vendors alike, the real driver for improving power consumption is financial. It is imperative that carriers do everything possible to negate rising energy costs in an environment where network traffic and ARPUs are diverging."

]]> There are significant opportunities to integrate traditional power sources with fast-improving renewable energy sources. Solar power remains the front-runner but hybrid solutions including wind and increased use of battery power will become ever more viable. Other solutions such as fuel cells and compressed air are also on the long-term radar.

Carlaw also notes that environmental consumerism could be a powerful force in this area as it has been in other markets: "It is only a matter of time before carriers begin to market services under the green banner."

A new ABI Research study, "Mobile Networks Go Green" examines the mechanisms being put into place by carriers and infrastructure vendors to reduce power consumption, ranging from network optimization to hardware integration, power amplifier efficiency, and software-based dynamic asset dimensioning. It also considers the opportunity to integrate renewable energy sources into the primary power sources for cell sites, focusing on solar, wind, and hybrid solutions combining renewable cells, grid-based electricity, diesel generation and battery banks.

The report forms part of ABI Research's Mobile Networks Research Service, which also include other Research Reports, Research Briefs, Market Data, Online Databases, ABI Insights, ABI Vendor Matrices, and analyst inquiry support.

Independence Day For Open Mobile with Launch of OpenMoko Neo FreeRunner

2008-07-03T18:28:15Z

Openmoko, developer of the first open mobile computing platform announced that on Friday, July 4, it will open the online store for purchase of the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner, a mobile device that the company says will help to enable ubiquitous computing for the 21st century. Shipping to customers will commence on July 7, 2008.

The Openmoko Neo FreeRunner utilizes GNU/Linux and comes with core software for dialing, SMS and recording contacts. Openmoko will supplement these features with periodic downloads beginning with a software suite that takes full advantage of the phone's hardware platform. The new software, debuting at Linux world in August, will provide new location based applications.

Two versions of the phone will be available: 850MHz or 900 MHz Tri-band GSM to match frequencies in different countries. Black, oval-shaped and weighing 6.5 ounces, the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner features a 2.8" 480 x 640 VGA touchscreen, Wi-Fi (802.1 1b/g), AGPS, GPRS 2.5G, Bluetooth 2.0, two 3-axis motion sensors and comes with 128MB WSDRAM and 256MB NAND Flash.

Pricing and availability
The Openmoko Neo FreeRunner has a suggested retail price of $399. Openmoko will sell the phone directly from it its webshop www.Openmoko.com and via distributors in the EU, India and North America.
]]> Open Mobile Free
Openmoko frees developers from constraints of closed mobile architectures so they can apply the power of mobility and a flexible development platform to create mobile applications for specialized markets. Using the Openmoko mobile platform, the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) community and developers can create unique versions of the FreeRunner phone, modifying the way the phone operates and even the way it looks. CAD files publicly available under a Creative Commons license make it easy for industrial designers to change the appearance of the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner and select alternate materials and finishes to tailor the phone's look and feel.

Distributors in the EU have already received shipments of the Openmoko Neo FreeRunner.

Openmoko will be at LinuxWorld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, August 5-7, 2008 in booth 1625 and in the Linux Garage Pavilion booth 1234 in the Moscone Center North Hall.

About Openmoko
Openmoko is the commercial and community driven effort with a mission to create open mobile products that empower developers and consumers to personalize their devices, much like a computer, in any way they see fit. Openmoko is dedicated to helping innovators bring freedom and flexibility to consumer electronics and vertical market devices. For the latest information about Openmoko, visit www.Openmoko.com.

Metro PCS Nets 184 K Subscribers in Q2

2008-07-03T18:14:14Z

MetroPCS Communications, Inc, a provider of unlimited wireless communications announced selected subscriber information for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

MetroPCS ended the second quarter with approximately 4.6 million subscribers, which includes net additions during the quarter of approximately 184 thousand subscribers. MetroPCS has added over one million subscribers during the twelve month period ended June 30, 2008, representing total subscriber growth of approximately 30% as compared to subscribers as of June 30, 2007.

"Achieving 184 thousand net additions during the seasonally slow second quarter, coupled with a challenging economic environment highlighted by dramatically escalating prices for fuel and food, strongly demonstrates the resiliency of the MetroPCS business model," said Roger D. Linquist, MetroPCS' Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

]]> In the second quarter of 2008, on a consolidated basis, MetroPCS reported gross additions of approximately 793 thousand subscribers, which represents an increase of 20% over the second quarter of 2007.

Churn for the second quarter of 2008 was down 0.3% when compared to the second quarter of 2007, and consistent with seasonal patterns, increased 0.5% to 4.5% when compared to the first quarter of 2008.

"At the end of the second quarter, our consolidated subscriber base was approximately 4.6 million. While the U.S. economy shows signs of continued deterioration, we are very pleased by our second quarter subscriber growth. We continue to believe that our predictable, affordable and flexible service offerings differentiate us from the competition and that our unique business model positions us well to capitalize on the increasing trend of wireline replacement. We continue to expand our service footprint with the recent launches of service in Philadelphia, Shreveport/Bossier City, Jacksonville and Bakersfield, and we are excited about the potential opportunities from our planned future service launches in Boston and New York."

New Motion Inc. Buys Ringtone.com

2008-07-02T21:53:28Z

New Motion, Inc., doing business as Atrinsic an Internet media and mobile entertainment company, today announced that it has acquired the assets of Ringtone.com, a popular mobile entertainment destination for downloadable mobile content and a highly valuable Internet domain which receives more than 1,000 signups per day.

Virgin Mobile & PlayPhone Offer Direct to Consumer Games

2008-07-02T21:42:25Z

Virgin Mobile USA customers have direct online access to some of the hottest mobile downloads including those of PlayPhone, Inc.,which operates the largest network of mobile content destinations in North America. PlayPhone announced today it will power off-deck mobile entertainment content for the leading no-contract wireless provider's more than five million customers. Some of the unique content includes wallpapers and ringtones from partners such as SONY BMG, Cartoon Network and Disney.

]]> "Virgin Mobile USA has a customer base whose demographics are completely in line with the entertainment content we provide," said Ron Czerny, founder and chief executive officer at PlayPhone. "We are delighted that Virgin Mobile USA can now offer their consumers even greater variety when it comes to having fun on their phone."

"We are very focused on providing the best services and entertainment to our customers," added Lauren King, product manager, off-portal content at Virgin Mobile USA. "We believe that PlayPhone is a valuable off-deck addition to deliver a diverse and engaging mobile experience."

PlayPhone offers expanded distribution for its top-tier content partners, which, in North America, currently include SONY BMG, EMI Group, Cartoon Network, SEGA, Bandai, Disney, Glu Mobile, Konami, Vivendi Universal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, ABC Television, Platinum Studios and many more.

PlayPhone gives consumers access to a new and exclusive media catalog spanning audio, video and gaming content from leading music labels and artists, game publishers and media companies. In addition to operating its consumer facing mobile destination at PlayPhone.com in both English and Spanish, it also powers mobile content destinations for entertainment and retail brands including Wal-Mart, ABC Television, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Sega, Real Networks, iPlay and many more.

SilverBirch Acquires Red Mile Ent.

2008-07-02T19:25:00Z

SilverBirch Inc. a leading digital media company, today announced an agreement in principle to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Red Mile Entertainment, Inc., a California-based video game publisher with worldwide rights to established brands and intellectual properties including the "Heroes" flight combat franchise.

Red Mile, an NASD OTC Bulletin Board listed company, has developed and published a number of successful console and PC titles including Heroes Of The Pacific, which sold over 600,000 units. Current projects in development include a sequel, Heroes Over Europe, which is anticipated to be released in early 2009, and another highly anticipated licensed title, for which the company will seek a co-publishing partner.

Red Mile is expected to contribute over $7 million in revenue and roughly $2 million in EBITDA starting in 2009. SilverBirch has advanced a bridge loan of $750,000 CAD dollars to Red Mile as part of the acquisition terms, and will also issue seven-eighths of one SilverBirch share from treasury in exchange for each Red Mile share, plus an earn-out based on future revenue targets. Currently 16,544,461 Red Mile shares and warrants qualify for the transaction, which equates to 14,476,403 new Silverbirch shares. The transaction is subject to regulatory and exchange approvals both in Canada and the United States as well as, in the case of Red Mile, shareholder approval.

Nokia Purchase of NAVTEQ Approved by European Commission

2008-07-02T19:20:28Z

NAVTEQ, provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, announced today that Nokia has received unconditional approval from the European Commission for its planned acquisition of NAVTEQ. With this, Nokia now has received all approvals for the purchase. The parties expect to close the deal within the next five business days.

"We welcome this news. NAVTEQ will play a key role in our Internet services strategy with world-leading maps and navigation industry expertise, a strong customer base and industry-leading map data and technology platform offering the broadest geographical coverage," said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, President and CEO, Nokia.

"We are pleased that the Commission has reached the same conclusion we have regarding NAVTEQ's ability to continue providing broad access to all our customers," said Judson Green, President and CEO, NAVTEQ. "We believe NAVTEQ will be better positioned to serve all our customers under Nokia ownership."

Buzzwire Adds 22 New Content Partners

2008-07-02T19:12:15Z

Buzzwire, Inc. announced that it has added 22 new content partners for its mobile streaming media service. New partners include some of the top brands in original web content and Internet TV, including Next New Networks, 60Frames, Rooftop Comedy, Goodnight Burbank, Abigail's Teen Diary, Comedytime.tv, Tubemogul, National Banana, Ocean's 7-11.com, Gagfilms.com, Crossroad Mobile, LoftCity, Cinemarv, Headzup.tv, 5Min.com, The Classic Wines Minute, Political Lunch, 20 Minute Yoga, Somagirls, For Your Imagination, Young Hollywood, and Versaly Entertainment, which operates Vmbc.tv, a mobile video distribution network that will provide Fast Lane and Hollywood Insider programming. "Today's media consumers have 'grown up' with online video and they are accustomed to getting access to their favorite entertainment on demand. What's more, their mobile phones have become their constant connection to the world. With Buzzwire, they can now create their own personal and portable video channel that they can enjoy by themselves or with friends during small moments of downtime or whenever they want," said Andrew MacFarlane, CEO of Buzzwire. "We're thrilled to be offering the best original Web content out of the gates. This is just the beginning."

Buzzwire partner Next New Networks boasts some of the largest viewership among online content providers and currently serves more than 25 million video views per month across its super-distribution network including YouTube, iTunes and Tivo. It will provide many of its popular networks to mobile viewers through Buzzwire including Channel Frederator, Indy Mogul, Fast Lane Daily, Veracifier, VODCars, Viropop, Barely Political and Threadbanger.

"We are excited about having the Buzzwire audience accessing our many networks and stars from Barely Political's Obama Girl to Channel Frederator's original animated series MethMinute39 and our own Threadbanger fashionistas Rob Czar and Corrine Leigh. Fans now can get them on the go," said Herb Scannell, Next New Networks' CEO. "Partnering with Buzzwire is a natural extension for us. It brings our networks to users in a new and exciting way that extends our Internet programming beyond the PC and adds a compelling new approach to sharing content with friends."

60Frames, an innovative company that is transforming entertainment and advertising with its focus on helping professional artists create and distribute online video content, sees its partnership with Buzzwire as a powerful way to extend reach beyond the internet. "We're committed to being at the forefront of the digital video revolution, and Buzzwire provides an exciting new avenue for the best and brightest creative minds within the 60Frames portfolio to reach their audience in a fresh, meaningful and personal way," said Brent Weinstein, CEO of 60Frames.

Buzzwire adds new content partners and carriers on a regular basis. Go to www.buzzwire.com for more details

]]>

Texting and Camera Tops for Cell Phone Buyers, Says Ampltitude Research

2008-07-02T19:08:30Z

According to a survey of cell phone users commissioned by ACCESS Systems Americas, Inc. and conducted by independent research firm Amplitude Research, buyers of new cell phones view accessing the Internet (61%) and email capabilities (63%) as most important features along with such items as text messaging (73%) and a camera (67%). Among the list of 19 items respondents selected from, music (34%) and video capability (33%) were also frequent choices, with only a small percentage selecting such features as battery life (0.5%) or voice activation (0.33%). Fifteen years have passed since Neil Papworth in England sent the world's first text message to a cell phone with the simple phrase of "Merry Christmas" to the person receiving the greeting on his cell phone, Richard Jarvis. "We've come a long way since that first text message was sent to a cell phone from a computer keyboard -- because at that time cell phones were not yet designed to type out and send individual letters of the alphabet," said Kiyo Oishi, COO, ACCESS Systems Americas, Inc. "It's truly a milestone that in 2008, 73% of new cell phone buyers cite 'text messaging' as the 'most important' feature on their device." Look Ma, No Hands According to the survey, just over 62% of survey respondents said they would use a "Bluetooth" device to comply with laws restricting the use of cell phones or mobile devices when driving; slightly more than 51% said they would employ a hands-free microphone on an existing mobile device; 18.5% said they would stop using the phone in the vehicle. Just over 12% said they would use voice recognition software, and just over 7% said they would "ignore the law and hope not to get caught." Adding Cell Phone Applications 39% of the survey respondents have added new applications (e.g., games; graphics programs; online photo management, Internet phone applications/VOIP; stock trackers; sports teams/games trackers; business applications; productivity; utilities) to their cell phone, with just over 21% adding six or more new applications. When cell phone users were asked to identify (from a list of nine items) the two cell phone applications that are not necessary to have, stock trackers (42%) and sports teams/games trackers (36.6%) were selected most often. Business applications (10.3%), productivity (7.5%), and utilities (4.8%) were selected the least i.e., are more often perceived as necessary items. Not All Talk: Email Has Significant Usage 41% of the survey respondents who use a cell phone with emailing capabilities said they send or check for emails one to five times a day. Almost 16% said they send or check for emails between six and ten times a day; 14% said the use their cell phone for emailing more than ten times a day, while 28% said they never use their cell phone for emailing. Of the survey respondents who have a cell phone with emailing capabilities but who do not currently use those capabilities, nearly 12% said they believe they will start using their cell phone to send or check for emails within the next year, while almost 46% answered they might. Nearly 40% of the survey respondents said they use their cell phone for various kinds of "alerts," such as traffic, weather, stock market updates, sales-at-favorite-stores alerts and TV show updates. Bank On It? Nearly 30% of the survey respondents said they use their cell phone for banking transactions or to check their bank account balances. Of the 70% who said they don't, almost 56% said they had no interest in doing so in the future, while almost 38% said they were "somewhat interested" in using their cell phone for banking transactions or to check their bank account balances, and just over 6% said they were "very interested." Only 16% of the survey respondents said they use their cell phone to make credit card or mortgage payments, and of the nearly 84% who said they don't, almost 67% said they had no interest in doing so in the future, with almost 29% saying they were "somewhat interested," and just over 4% expressing they are "very interested" in using their cell phone to make credit card or mortgage payments. 88% of the survey respondents said they found it "very important" to have a cell phone to use in case of an emergency, while 4.83% said that the only reason they have a cell phone is in case of emergency. Cell Phone Hack Attacks Do Happen When asked if their cell phone had ever been hacked, just over 79% said "no," almost 5% answered "yes," just over 9% said they "didn't know," and almost 7% answered "I'm not aware that hacking of my device is a significant threat." The Carrier Matters to Most When buying a new cell phone, collectively almost 74% of the survey respondents said they either strongly consider the telecommunications service provider (55.6%) or that the carrier is the most important consideration (18.3%). 23% said they somewhat consider who is the carrier, with only 3% noting they do not consider at all the carrier. About the Survey The survey was conducted during the January 29 to January 31, 2008 time frame using Amplitude's Panelspeak(R) web panel (http://www.panelspeak.com). The survey asked cell phone users a series of questions about attitudes on new cell phone purchasing and usage behavior. The associated "maximum" margin of sampling error was 4.0% at the 95% confidence level.

Sell Out Your Family and Get $20 or Win $10 K to Plug the Samsung Instinct

2008-07-02T18:47:25Z

Sprint is inviting video makers to plug the Samsung Instinct in their YouTube Videos and create the best product placement video showcasing the Sprint Instinct phone.

The Samsung Instinct must be included in the homemade videos. Samsung is providing a remix tool tool to add the Instinct to video even if the viideographer doesn't own the phone.

Contestants create a video from 30 to 120 seconds in length and follow the instructions at www.InstinctThePhone.com to upload the video and then can use a video remixer tool provided on the contest website to creatively overlay the Sprint Instinct phone throughout the video; use of video remixer tool is recommended but not required. Contest ends August 1. The first 1,000 contestants get a $20 check in the mail.

The top ten videos will be selected and then voted on on the special YouTube channel. The winner receives a $10,000 grand prize.

]]> VIDEO REQUIREMENTS/TERMS OF SUBMISSION:

A maximum of 4 people may appear in the Submission; however, it is not necessary for any person to appear.

Entrant must provide releases from all persons in the Submission, as required below.

Entrants must agree to be bound by and accept the YouTube terms of use and privacy policy, available at www.youtube.com/signup.

Submissions must be in English.
Submissions must be from 30 to 120 seconds in length.
Submissions can be in color or black and white and may be enhanced with graphics, special effects and/or animation.
Music, lyrics, sounds, props, or any other creative element used in the Submission must be Entrant's own original creative work, cannot have been previously published and must not include any material owned by a third party.
Submissions cannot include any personally identifiable information (i.e. last name, address, place of work etc.) of yourself or any other person(s) (whether appearing in the Submission or not).
Submission file must be in digital file format (AVI, MOV, WMV, or MPG).
Submission may include Sprint logos and products, however, no purchase is necessary. Any product usage experiences depicted must be in compliance with the Sponsor's standards. No other products or trademarks may be included in the Submission.
The Submission cannot have been previously submitted or displayed for a contest of any kind.