Mobile phone manufacturer Palm had launched a few days ago a new version of its webOS platform that operates on Palm Pre and Palm Pixi. Now it has gone ahead with tis announcement about the availability of a new Mojo Software Development Kit update, namely webOS SDK 1.3.1.

Palm released the new OS flavor, as well as the new SDK, only a few days prior to the release of its second device based on the platform, the Palm Pixi, that is currently up fro sale on the American market via Sprint. According to a recent post on the Palm Developer Network Blog, the new Mojo SDKversion 1.3.1 release comes around with the following new features:
- Improved Pixi sustenance in emulator
- API to keep screen from auto-dimming
- Auto-generation of app Help / Support scene
- Numerous framework doc enhancements
The blog post further states: “Elaborating a bit on the last item, we’ve heard the developer community’s feedback about webOS docs loud and clear. You’ll see the first efforts to expand, clarify, and improve quality of the docs with this release. Notably, we’ve provided new step-by-step installation instructions, with more thorough information about how to get your system ready before you download and install the SDK. Start on our Download page by selecting the version of the SDK you’d like to use.”

Mobile phone manufacturer Research In Motion is expected to introduce carrier billing for its BlackBerry App World by early. Though the software solutions portal was launched several months ago the handset manufacturer seems determined to include many features to it, so as to enhance the user experience of every BlackBerry owner.

The statement regarding the carrier billing feature comes from Jim Balsillies, RIM’s co-CEO, and was given during a keynote at RIM’s BlackBerry’s Developer Conference,wirelessweek notes.

Users are expected to welcome the carrier billing feature as this would indicate that they can purchase software for their handsets in a simpler manner. At the moment, BlackBerry owners need to use their PayPal credentials in order to make purchases from the storefront, which is not highly appreciated.

The software portal is also expected to feature about 2000 plus applications at the moment, a very small amount when compared to the number of apps offered by Apple through its App Store, or by Google via the Android Market. However, the newly announced features for developers should assist users in building apps for the Operating System much faster, as they now benefit from a new BlackBerry Theme Studio, as well as to earn more from their solutions through integrated ads.

Navigation services provider, Telmap has come together with NAVTEQ to create a mobile exploration, mapping and routing application for Apple’s iPhone. The first two introductions of this solution are the MapQuest Navigator and Orange Maps in France. More new launches are anticipated to be announced across the globe by leading tier 1 operators.

NAVTEQ is owned by Nokia.

“This solution enables mobile operators to provide operator-branded navigation solutions with global coverage, local content and real-time features to iPhone users,” said Oren Nissim, CEO, Telmap. “The advanced solution brings together technology, openness and coverage to make search, mapping and navigation relevant, effective and suitable for different types of people in different parts of the world.”

Telmap said that the benefits of this mobile search solution, as against the available solutions, revolves around its capability to deliver server based information on location, points of interest, live traffic reports and more. As the only important pre-requisite for the Telmap’s solution on the iPhone handset is a thin-client, all of the intensive calculations and map data can be stored server-side, meaning that the maps and information that are sent to the handset are up-to-date and the application is light, allowing simple and fast download to the iPhone.

“As the leading provider of map, traffic and location data, we are proud to be involved with Telmap and this extension to the iPhone space,” said Serge Bussat, vice president, Consumer Sales, Europe NAVTEQ. “We see this as an important step in enabling turn-by-turn navigation for mobile solutions for mass adoption.”

In an earnest attempt to widen its brand appeal amidst female consumers, Boost Mobile®, the division of Sprint that provides wireless phones and services with no contracts or activations fees, has made the announcement about the Motorola™ Debut i856w. Crafted ideally for the fashion-conscious consumers, Motorola Debut i856w adds stylish ivory coloring and flattering front and back detailing to Boost Mobile’s first slider phone.

Motorola Debut i856w seems to have arrived at a perfect balance of modern luxury and design edginess with its combination of subtle color tones, finishes and modern graphics. As with Motorola Debut i856, the stylish slider glides open and closed smoothly for instant communication. In addition to multi-media features like a music player and threaded text messaging, Motorola Debut i856w provides one-touch instant access to the easy-to-use 1.3MP camera with video capture and playback directly on the face of the phone.

“We expect Motorola Debut i856w to appeal to female consumers who desire contemporary style and superior value from their wireless phone,” said Neil Lindsay, chief marketing officer, Boost Mobile. “When combined with our Monthly Unlimited plan, the i856w packs both — unlimited talk, text and wireless web service for $50 a month on a very attractive handset.”

Motorola Debut i856w can be purchased at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping for the price of $149.99. The feature-rich music and slider phone pairs perfectly with Boost’s $50 Monthly Unlimited plan with nationwide talk, text and wireless Web all on a dependable network.

AT&T has made an announcement about a new 3G Laptop Connect device from Sierra Wireless, the AT&T USBConnect Lightning that will be introduced in retail stores, business channels and online nationwide starting from November 22. The Lightning provides improved mobile broadband performance on the nation’s quickest 3G network for quick and easy Internet access while on the go. It will be attuned with AT&T’s High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology, which provides a considerable speed enhancement to the 3G mobile broadband network where deployed.

For those who require access to email, the Internet and business applications from their laptop while away from home or work, the Lightning provides the ideal solution. AT&T 3G mobile broadband speed built into a small and elegant design that includes an illuminated face plate and USB hinge for use with different laptop designs provides an ideal mix of form and function. Connecting in more places is now even easier with AT&T’s global network compatibility and access to AT&T’s more than 20,000 Wi-Fi hotspots.

“The Lightning is a high-performing device compatible with our latest HSPA technology,” said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “As we continue our 3G network evolution, we are building a solid portfolio of HSPA 7.2 devices to meet the future needs of our customers.”

The company has ideas of deploying HSPA 7.2 in 25 of the nation’s 30 largest markets by the end of 2010, and to reach about 90 percent of its existing 3G network footprint with HSPA 7.2 by the end of 2011.

“The USBConnect Lightning offers an innovative, eye-catching lighted design with a swivel hinge for flexible use in horizontally or vertically oriented USB ports, and we are pleased to offer it exclusively to AT&T customers as the company deploys HSPA 7.2 coverage,” said Dan Schieler, senior vice president of Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. “People continue to expand their use of mobile broadband in their everyday routines wherever they are, and the evolution of the AT&T 3G network and devices like the USBConnect Lightning provide them with the flexibility and freedom to do so.”

The Lightning will be available at no cost after a $100 mail-in rebate with a DataConnect Plan of at least $35 a month. Pay $99.99 after two year agreement and receive a $100 AT&T Promotion Card. The device will be available at AT&T retail stores nationwide, online and at http://www.wireless.att.com/.

LG has once again made an announcement about the launch of its first Android based smartphone, the LG GW620 which features the increasingly commonplace social networking tools built into the operating system. The handset was earlier announced in September, and is already being sold in the European market.

The Social Networking Sites (SNS) Manager combines all of a users social networking needs in one platform for the handling of multiple accounts while receiving real-time updates. Even when searching through the phone’s contact list, users can still have a look at updates from friends and be taken directly to their sites if desired.

“LG’s first Android phone, LG GW620, was developed with social networking in mind from the start,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications. “Social networking has become ubiquitous and an important way for many of us to stay connected with friends, family and coworkers. Our smartphones are designed with the lifestyles of our users in mind and seamlessly integrating social networking features in our handsets will enable LG smartphone owners to be more accessible and better connected.”

The LG GW620 is the first of a series of Android devices that the company plans to introduce to the public in the coming year.

It appears that the iPhone is the most sought after device in every shop. RadioShack, or “The Shack” as it is called, keeping in pace with its current mobility strategy has made the announcement that it will be offering the iPhone 3G and 3GS by the end of this month to a restricted number of stores to begin with.

The press release from Radio Shack does not offer more much data on this issue– the iPhone will be available in RadioShack stores in the New York metropolitan area and in the Dallas-Fort Worth. The iPhone will be available throughout the nation at RadioShack store some time next year.

Functioning from neighborhood and mall locations, RadioShack presently has approximately 4,470 company-operated stores, 1,300 dealer outlets, and nearly 450 wireless phone kiosks throughout the U.S.A.

Only the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS versions will be available, the original 2G version stepped down a some time earlier, giving room for iPhone Mini rumors. The current speculation rumor that is making its rounds is– a UMTS/CDMA hybrid iPhone, with a smaller 2.8” screen.

The AT&T exclusivity for the iPhone appears to be seeing its end, but in the USA mobile carriers are divided among UMTS and CDMA users. Verizon, the biggest US carrier, uses CDMA and they’ve said they would be interested in getting the iPhone and rumor has it they will get it in the third quarter of 2010 (the UMTS/CDMA hybrid apparently).

Nokia has made an announcement on Monday about an international recall of some 14 million chargers because of the possibility of some of them causing a dangerous electrical shock.

The Finland-based company said the recall includes charger models AC-3E and AC-3U that were manufactured between June 15 and Aug. 9 this year; and AC-4U, manufactured between April 13 and Oct. 25, 2009.

All three models were manufactured by Chinese battery maker BYD and sold mostly in North America and Europe.

It said the chargers’ plastic covers could come out loose and bring out the wiring, which could produce an electric shock once touched while the charger is plugged in.

Nokia said it has not been in receipt of any reports of injuries connected to the fault.

There are talks about Canadian mobile phone manufacturer Research In Motion being acquired by software giant Microsoft. The basis for these rumors seems to be a simple one: RIM has been witnessing a sharp fall in its shares in recent times, and in the event of the decrease to be a continuous one it might probably lead towards a possible takeover.

If there is a big question about why RIM is doing bad, it should be known that some of the latest reports on the mobile phone market have indicated that the recent launch of Motorola DROID on Verizon’s airwaves have influenced the sales of the Canadian maker’s handsets. The smartphone market has witnessed increased competitiveness and it seems that RIM is one of those affected by this state of facts.

According to National Bank analyst Richard Tse, there are great chances that RIM would attract some of the largest industry players around the world. “We can’t help but think that Microsoft could be one of many suitors,” Tse says , noting that RIM is not one of the marginalized mobile phone makers, but that it might attract those who want to enter the smartphone market.

“Sticking with Microsoft, sure Windows Mobile 7 is on its way but wouldn’t RIM be able to offer what they’ve strived to get beyond their OS and Office – another wedge into the enterprise. We sure wouldn’t rule this out,” Tse adds. However, it should be noted that Microsoft has said on several occasions before that it only plans on providing software for the mobile phone market, and has no ideas of making hardware.

Verizon Wireless has released the LG Chocolate Touch, a touch screen music phone that features Dolby Mobile.

The N.J.-based company said the Chocolate Touch has been exclusively for music — offering surround sound Dolby Mobile for a comfortable and crystal clear listening experience.

The handset also features a 3.0-inch touch screen display, FM radio, stereo Bluetooth, 1GB of internal memory for music and even a unique “Join the Band” application that lets users play with a drum kit.

Other features include a “social network key” to quickly access Facebook and Twitter to upload photos and videos taken with its 3.2-megapixel camera or add comments and update a status.

The original Chocolate that was introduced in 2006 and went on to sell 21 million units worldwide — becoming the top selling phone in LG’s history.

Verizon said the LG Chocolate Touch is available for $80 with a two-year contract.