Carmen Nobel

While the mobile computing industry has been focusing on whether a federal judge will disallow BlackBerry service in the United States, there is also uncertainty surrounding the future of Palm OS after PalmSource Inc.s acquisition by Tokyo-based Access Co. Ltd. last month. PalmSource officials insist there is a future for the veteran handheld operating system, […]

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week rejected two of five patents at the center of the legal battle that threatens to shutter BlackBerry e-mail service in the United States. This marks three times in the past month and twice in two days that the USPTO has issued a negative ruling on a disputed […]

While Wi-Fi hardware makers now consider security features par for the course in their products, third-party wireless security companies are still coming up with new ways to secure the hardware of their bigger brethren. AirDefense Inc. this week will launch Version 7.0 of AirDefense Enterprise, the Alpharetta, Ga., companys signature wireless security and management software. […]

Cingular Wireless has rolled out a push-to-talk service that goes beyond the capabilities of a traditional walkie-talkie. Launched last week, the service includes a “convert to cellular” feature that allows a push-to-talk call to be converted into a regular voice call, allowing calls from groups of participants to be converted into a regular conference call. […]

Cingular Wireless LLC last week launched its highest-speed data network service in several major U.S. cities. And while the service is price-competitive with cellular data offerings from other carriers, it may be a tough sell against less expensive handheld e-mail access services and free Wi-Fi hot spots. Based on HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access), Cingulars […]

Remote Internet access service provider iPass Inc. announced plans Monday to acquire rival GoRemote Internet Communications Inc. for $76.5 million in cash. iPass officials said the deal will help the company serve telecommuters and home office employees of large companies, which make up much of GoRemotes customer base. Currently, iPass primarily serves business travelers. /zimages/2/28571.gifiPass […]

The standard for the wireless broadband technology called Mobile WiMax has been ratified and is due for publication by the end of 2005. But it will be a while before products based on the standard hit the market. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers on Wednesday announced the approval of the standard, which is […]

Sprint Nextel on Thursday announced a new subsidiary that will provide mobile consulting and implementation services to corporate customers. Sprint Enterprise Mobility Inc. will help large businesses and government agencies to implement custom-made service packages unique to their needs, officials said. “Sprint Enterprise Mobility was born out of customer need,” said Len Lauer, chief operating […]

Cingular Wireless Tuesday launched its highest-speed data network service in several major U.S. cities. And while it is price-competitive with cellular data offerings from other carriers, it may be a tough sell against less-expensive handheld e-mail access services and free Wi-Fi hot spots. Based on HSDPA (high speed download packet access), the BroadbandConnect service provides […]

Blackberry customers as well as industry observers remained hopeful but concerned—and largely uninformed—last week following a court ruling that could lead to the shutdown of BlackBerrys wireless e-mail system in the United States. BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. maintains that the company has tested and readied a legal, technical workaround that will keep itself […]