An FCC filing has uncovered an unannounced FlipShare TV product that apparently serves as an accessory package for Cisco's Flip video recording devices. The system provides a USB dongle that communicates with a larger FlipShare TV box attached to a television. The TV box provides an HDMI output and standard RCA connections.
A new PC startup, litl, is known today to be readying an unusual netbook design with a rare customized operating system. An FCC filing for the Easel reveals a 12-inch system whose display can bend past 180 degrees and with a deliberately rounded, child-friendly look. However, it should also run a custom version of Linux with a "card" interface that lets users pick from blue cards for core apps and settings, black channel cards for news, weather and other widgets, and white cards for Firefox pages.
The FCC is considering auctioning certain parts of the TV-broadcasting spectrum and selling it to wireless companies for broadband, according to the Wall Street Journal. The shift is designed to help avoid a situation FCC chairman Julius Genachowski recently described as an impending "spectrum crisis," as data usage rates continue to grow faster than the wireless providers can expand available bandwidth.
Google on Tuesday rolled out a new version of Google Voice for those that don't want to change their phone numbers. Rather than route calls through a central number, the new tier uses Google Voice solely to provide visual voicemail for existing phone service. As before, messages are saved as files online and also converted into text so they can be heard or read online.
FCC chairman Julius Genachowski in a talk published today warned that mobile data is facing a "spectrum gap" that could significantly damage Internet access on cellphones. He considers the iPhone a leader in a wave of devices that are straining 3G networks enough to create severe accessibility problems and that the FCC is considering "more creative" steps to solve the problem. Among these steps may include exploiting unlicensed spectrum or even allowing second licenses that have two companies share the same frequency.
An FCC filing discovered late Friday has confirmed that the Motorola Droid won't be limited only to a CDMA version. The US agency's tests show it running WCDMA, the foundation for HSPA-based 3G access, on the 850MHz and 1,900MHz bands that are used both by AT&T in the US as well as Bell, Rogers and Telus in Canada. Many Latin American carriers also use the standards.
An FCC filing (PDF) from Novatel has revealed that Dell plans to apply its rugged XFR badge to a tablet PC for the first time. Titled the Latitude XT2 XFR, it would take the company's familiar 12-inch XT2 convertible tablet but harden the system for use outdoors or in more dangerous workplaces: the body would have extra shock-absorbing protection, particularly at the corners and the hinge. It would also have protected ports to guard against dust or water.
The FCC on Thursday published a draft version of its proposed network neutrality rules. The six terms in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would prevent Internet providers from blocking any legal apps, devices or services. They will also ban other forms of discrimination, except for neutral, "reasonable" management, and will require that providers also reveal any steps they're taking for network management, such as throttling or metered service.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today set groundwork for net neutrality in the country through a ruling that discourages Internet providers from throttling traffic. The guidelines will encourage monetary practices first, such as bandwidth caps or metered Internet access, and will accept slowing down some or all service only when necessary. All providers will also have to clearly publicize any throttling practices and give customers at least 30 days' notice, or 60 days' notice for wholesalers dependent on another Internet provider's network.
ASUS' Eee Keyboard is nearing production status, as it has been spotted in an FCC filing recently. The Eee PC is a fully functional PC into the form factor of a large wireless keyboard and integrates a 5-inch, 800x480 resolution touchscreen. The PC has already been slated for an October release date as of this summer.
The FCC today told Google that it will investigate the company's policies regarding its Google Voice calling service (registration required). Acting on requests by AT&T and politicians, the agency hopes to determine whether or not the company is violating must-connect rules by refusing to complete Google Voice calls made to certain numbers, particularly those in some rural areas as well as to 900 numbers and other lines that have expensive access rates.
Multiple Democrats and Republicans yesterday sent a letter to FCC chairman Julius Genachowski asking for a formal investigation into the legality of restrictions on Google Voice. The request follows a similarly worded AT&T letter and claims that Google is unfairly refusing to connect calls made over its service to some rural addresses and should be scrutinized to determine the actual nature of its service and potentially force a change in behavior.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, speaking to attendees of the CTIA's fall event in San Diego, asserted the Commission's position on the expansion of net neutrality regulations to include mobile devices. Genachowski believes the FCC should maintain openness, "whether a person accesses the Internet from a wireless laptop or a netbook."
AT&T on Tuesday afternoon confirmed rumors and said it would allow voice over IP apps like Skype to work on the iPhone's 3G access. It had previously forced these apps to use Wi-Fi and justified the change of heart by arguing that it had taken a "fresh look" at the Apple smartphone's support for the feature as part of periodic reviews. Apple and the FCC have both been notified of the move.
(Update with official news) AT&T may back away from its policy against Internet calling apps on the iPhone based on a leak circulating just before the fall CTIA show. Those close to the provider's executives reportedly told the Washington Post it's "close" to accepting voice over IP apps on all phones, including data-heavy devices like the iPhone. When this would take effect, if at all, isn't clear.
Apple's revamped Mighty Mouse and other peripheral changes were virtually confirmed today through a pair of new filings posted at the FCC. The entries for a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard both show unfamiliar model numbers (A1296 and A1314) and, in drawings that have since been modified, significant redesigns.
A new FCC filing reveals a new RF remote control with Flip Video branding but produced by Foxconn is on its way. Flip Video, known for its small, simple HD cameras such as the Flip Ultra HD, is unlikely to need a remote the size of the device itself for its cameras, so this sighting may indicate a new product for the company, such as a living room or home theater device.
A mid-progress update from an FCC panel said today that the US may need $20 billion to $350 billion invested into broadband to realize current government plans for readily available, national Internet access. The agency warns that its data is incomplete but that the figures may be necessary depending on the guaranteed speeds, with $20 billion covering relatively basic broadband while the top sum would cover high-grade access. The figure is well beyond the $7.2 billion so far assigned to the initiative.
HTC's Desire (also known as the Predator) was discovered today in an FCC testing entry. Most information remains secret, but the Android-based smartphone has appeared with CDMA and should support EVDO-based 3G as a result. The news supports notions that the phone is destined for Verizon.
Motorola's Android-powered Sholes A855 handset has recently passed the FCC in a filing, indicating it should be ready for sale in North America. While photos, a feature-set and user manuals aren't available for about another six months, a data sheet confirms the Sholes will include EVDO Rev A network support and have a Wi-Fi radio. The phone is expected to reach Verizon stores in October, where it is likely to be renamed to the Tao.
AT&T on Friday accused Google of running against net neutrality principles with its Google Voice service. A letter sent to the FCC by the carrier claims that the service would technically violate the terms of the FCC's existing Internet Policy Statement, as well as proposed formal rules, as it deliberately blocks calls made through the phone gateway to certain rural numbers to save Google money. That unfairly discriminates against AT&T and other conventional carriers that are required to allow those calls, the message read.
As part of its ongoing attempt to expand the wireless spectrum for its national broadband plan, the FCC has now opened comments to the public asking whether the so-called "prime bands" below 3.7GHz, considered ideal for wireless data and video, are sufficient for the near- and long-term demands of wireless broadband. The FCC seeks to get information from industry players by October 23rd regarding the ability of the current spectrum to support future build-outs and which bands are best suited for mobile or fixed wireless broadband.
An upcoming handset from Sony Ericsson, the Equinox, is due soon at provider T-Mobile. The device was first spotted undergoing FCC testing back in May. Slated for an October 28th release, the flip phone sports a 3.2-megapixel camera and a picture messaging feature. The Equinox will otherwise have a pulse light on the outer shell and stereo Bluetooth support.
The CTIA industry advocacy group today reacted harshly to the FCC's suggested net neutrality rules. A statement from the carrier-backed group attempted to foster worries that there might be "unintended consequences" to forcing carriers not to discriminate against certain app types. The claim also suggested that all cellular devices might "be the same" if the rules took effect, as it would theoretically force device makers to allow a level playing field.
Apple has already issued a response to today's release of an uncensored Google submission to the FCC, according to Silicon Alley Insider. "We do not agree with all of the statements made by Google in their FCC letter," reads a statement from an Apple representative. Reiterating an earlier point of view, the representative adds that "Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application and we continue to discuss it with Google."
The FCC is on the verge of introducing a new rule that would ban US cellular carriers from blocking Internet-aware mobile apps, a source from within the government agency claims. The tip claims that Chairman Julius Genachowski will use a keynote at the Brooklings Institute on Monday to provide early details of the rule. The only known detail at the Washington Post is that it would prevent carriers from filtering what users could see and do with online mobile apps.
Following several Freedom of Information Act requests attempting to access Google's redacted documents regarding the FCC's Google Voice inquiry, the company has decided to drop the confidentiality requests. The unredacted portion of the document contradicts Apple's public statement that it has not formally rejected the app, as the matter is still being discussed.
The FCC inadvertently revealed through a filing Microsoft's plans to replace its aging Xbox 360 Wi-Fi adapter with a new model. Labeled as the Wireless N Network Adapter, it would not only add the faster wireless speeds but a second antenna to improve reception. The peripheral would as before attach through USB but is now black to color-match the now mainstream Xbox 360 Elite.
FCC broadband head Blair Levin today pushed for more access to wireless spectrum as part of his organization's plans to expand broadband Internet access in the US. Pointing to complaints that there isn't enough available, the official suggested that the FCC could use the technology not only to grow coverage in rural areas where landlines are impractical or simply to improve the bandwidth available to everyone. He added that the extra spectrum could even be necessary as more wireless devices come online and saturate existing networks.
Vonage today said that Apple has approved its iPhone VoIP app. The company doesn't have details of when it expects the software to reach the App Store but says it's already conducting a beta test of the software. It's expected that Internet calling will only work over Wi-Fi, however, due to policies from AT&T and some other carriers that bar VoIP on 3G due to lag and other claimed quality issues.
Comcast has achieved a legal victory in its battle against the FCC's limits on the number of subscribers. The commission's regulations aimed to prevent a cable operator from unfairly blocking smaller competitors trying to reach consumers, although the 30 percent cap has been the focus of of numerous lawsuits and criticism.
Amazon Germany today renewed talk of a new high-end Xbox 360 by posting a listing for an Elite with a 250GB hard drive. The system's 280 Euro ($400) price lines up with that of the Elite before the recent price cut and also bundles in an extra wireless gamepad as well as the as-yet unreleased Forza Motorsport 3. No clues are included as to the release date or whether there are any other significant changes, though a hardware update isn't likely besides the added storage.
The successor to Toshiba's 1GHz TG01, the TG02, has once again made the news, with a certification document (PDF) from the Wi-Fi Alliance website. While many details aren't available, it's believed the TG02 will retain the TG01's touchscreen candybar form factor, as revealed by leaked photos earlier this year. These also had it keeping the same 4.1-inch touchscreen, 3G, GPS and Wi-Fi of the older phone but with Windows Mobile 6.5.
Apple today said it has approved Spotify's iPhone app. A spokesperson for the company made the rare statement ahead of the app's appearance for paidContent in what's seen as a bid to prevent accusations of anti-competitive behavior regarding the app, which will need a 10 Euro (roughly $14) monthly premium subscription but which will give unlimited streaming of music over both Wi-Fi and on iPhones using 3G. It's unclear when the app will actually appear but is expected only in countries where Spotify is already available on computers, such as the UK or Spain.
The FCC on Thursday morning began a formal inquiry into the state of the cellular industry. In line with the US government agency's timetable for events, the investigation is part of a new annual look at whether carrier practices may be hurting subscribers as well as its contribution to the economy and to the spread of long-range wireless Internet access. Officials began the inquiry following a unanimous vote.
The FCC today gave away some of Archos' plans for Android tablets today by publishing a test report for the hardware. Known as the A5S, the device is much like the existing Archos 5 but adds a microSD slot for removable storage and notably shows a much different interface (seen below) than the custom Linux that Archos uses today: it appears to have a reference Android build but with icons at the bottom that may represent quick access to common tasks like music or the web.
RingCentral Mobile, an app with very similar features to those of Google Voice, has been overlooked by the FCC, says BrainStorm Tech. Should Apple's public response to the FCC be considered earnest, the website asserts RingCentral would have faced similar scrutiny by Apple, given the numerous similarities between it and Google Voice. The column additionally notes that the RingCentral app was the template from which both Google Voice, and its predecessor, GrandCentral, were built.
Apple's may have deliberately mislead the Federal Communications Commission, according to Kevin Duerr, a developer of one of the Google Voice-related applications removed from the App Store. The developer believes the company is lying and suggests that were Apple's rejected Google Voice, VoiceCentral and two other related apps and instead claimed it was still studying the "potential impact on the iPhone user experience."
Apple on Friday took an unusual approach in its official response to the FCC's inquiries over the rejection of Google Voice for the App Store and denied that it had rejected the app at all. The company instead claims that it "continues to study" the software and now says its primary issues are with the integration of the app, which Apple insists duplicate too many iPhone features.
The FCC has approved a new version of the HTC Hero, testing documents reveal. Dubbed the HERO200, the model is compatible with CDMA networks, in contrast with the GSM model currently in production. It also supports EVDO broadband, and may validate rumors that the phone will soon be available through Sprint.
An unnamed former Google employee claimed Friday night that Apple and Google have been in an unofficial but potentially anti-competitive agreement not to poach each other's employees. Supposedly confirmed for TechCrunch by multiple previous workers at the search engine firm, the practice hasn't been codified in writing but has been widely understood and practiced at both companies. Neither would try to directly recruit from the other, according to the tip.
Rumors of a Nokia 3G tablet for T-Mobile gained credibility today through an FCC entry for what may be that device. The posting shows a product likely too large to be a phone that uses the 1,700MHz AWS (Advanced Wireless Spectrum) band for its 3G, leaving only T-Mobile USA as the candidate for the hardware. Little else is shown about the device other than that its working RX-51 codename differs from the usual RM prefix given to Nokia handsets.
Dell's designer Latitude Z has garnered support today courtesy of an FCC filing for the ultraportable's government tests. Beyond confirming the notebook's existence, the use of only 802.11g Wi-Fi implies the base model won't have faster 802.11n. A diagram of the design appears to support a removable "hump" that would have an Ethernet connection, likely other ports, and possibly an extended-capacity battery.
AT&T on Saturday issued a brief initial response to Federal Communications Commission letters of inquiry sent to Apple, AT&T and Google on Friday regarding their roles in the rejection of Google Voice-enabled apps. Addressing concerns that it may have denied the apps to exclude a service that provides lower-cost long distance and SMS without using its data network, AT&T spokesman Brad Mays flatly denied any link between AT&T and decisions made by Apple as to which apps are allowed on the App Store, instead putting the responsibility on the iPhone maker. A larger response is said to be forthcoming.
The HTC Touch Diamond 2 handset, flying under the Warhawk codename, is nearing its release at wireless provider AT&T as evidenced by a document from the FCC. While the handset is not mentioned by name, the FCC document shows a handset with 850 and 1,900MHz 3G network compatibility. AT&T's one-way Video Share calling is expected to be offered on the handset.
LG's Chocolate BL40 has shown up on the FCC website, revealing it will support the 850/1,900 HSDPA networks used by AT&T in the US. To date, the device is only deemed likely for Verizon's CDMA network and Telus' future HSDPA network in Canada. The Chocolate BL40 sports a 4-inch touchscreen with 800x345 resolution that can be split for multi-tasking.
The FCC will consider the limited rural availability of products like the iPhone as it explores the merits of exclusive American cellphone contracts, an interview reveals. "There are markets in the country where if you wanted an iPhone, if you wanted a Pre, you just couldn’t get it -- from anyone," according to FCC chairman Julius Genachowski. "So one question is, is that consistent with broad consumer interests?"
Samsung's flagship Omnia II smartphone may be the first to directly compete against the iPhone in the US if an FCC filing (PDF) is an indication. Previously thought only to be headed to Verizon, the Windows Mobile phone has appeared in the US agency's testing with both GSM support and HSPA-based 3G on the 850MHz and 1,900MHz bands used by AT&T. No labels or other branding have necessarily confirmed a carrier deal so far.
The Toshiba TG01 smartphone, notable for its use of a high-powered 1GHz Snapdragon CPU from Qualcomm, has appeared on the FCC website. Unlike the usual FCC listings, the TG01 tested in this case is a production-ready device with support for CDMA networks and not a prototype, indicating it will very soon launch at either Sprint or Verizon, and perhaps eventually on both wireless providers.
Nokia's replacement for its E71 business phone, the E72, has now passed FCC testing in North America Model (NAM) trim, indicating it will likely soon come to North American wireless providers with native 3G. Compared to the E71, the E72 is near identical in terms of dimensions, though the former's directional pad is replaced with an optical trackpad. It receives a new e-mail client from the E75 with a number of improvements as well as new instant messaging support.
