Jostles for attention with FMC security and faster 3G cards in the weekly new-product roundup
The best-selling RAZR gets a makeover this week, while network convergence tests secure and wireless giants embedded with 3G PC cards, in our regular Monday tech roundup.
Verizon Sharpens RAZR: Verizon Wireless will start selling new EV-DO versions of the best-selling Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) RAZR online this week.
Motorola is calling the $199 phone the MOTOKRZR K1m [Ed note: The what?!]. It is slightly deeper but not as wide as the standard RAZR.
The latest version adds features that bring the best-selling design on a par with the latest wave of smartphones from BlackBerry and Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) and a logical follow-up to the Moto RAZR V3m. The new gadget has more memory -- 64 Mbytes memory plus a microSD card slot -- and sports new cosmetics, with a smoked glass look to the exterior.
Verizon will start selling the phone in stores on October 5.
Gated FMC: Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO) is gradually moving deeper into the world of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). The firm has just completed testing its Mobile Services Security Gateway (SEGW) with Kineto Wireless Inc. 's UMA (unlicensed mobile access) Network Controller (IP-UNC). Cisco says that the tests show that the gateway is now ready for commercial deployment in operator's networks.
The move extends Cisco's reach into the UMA world and means that it could potentially be selected by Nokia, or one of the other vendors trailing UMA, as part of their system. (See Nokia Trials FMC.)
The firm already has a relationship with Nokia on the enterprise side of the house -- routing Nokia dual-mode phones via the office PBX (See Cisco, Nokia Team on FMC.) A number of other FMC projects are also reportedly on the boil at the networking giant.
Silicon Finnish: Speaking of Nokia, it appears that the Scandinavian titan's new 3G deal with Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) could encompass more than just cellular technology.
The pair have teamed up to produce to produce HSDPA PC cards and embedded modems for laptops. This could be good news for enterprise users in a market where prices are already starting to drop on 3G cards. [Less good news, however, for established companies in this marketplace such as Sierra Wireless Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIR; Toronto: SW).]
Intel's card game may not stop at cellular, however, according to ABI Research . "Intel is also taking a first step towards the eventual inclusion of WiMax wireless broadband in portable computers," says ABI Research senior analyst Philip Solis. "The eventual goal is to offer multiple connectivity options."
— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Unstrung
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