Truphone Adds 11 New Nokia Devices To Its Portfolio

I’ve talked about Truphone before (including this review) as a great way to call anywhere on the planet for very low rates.   Today, Truphone announces 11 more Nokia devices that support the service.

Truphone Adds 11 New Nokia Devices To Its Portfolio

26 Nokia Devices Now Truphone Compatible

London (25 June 2009) – Truphone has added 11 additional Nokia handsets to the list of devices compatible with Truphone and whose owners can now ring up big savings by taking advantage of Truphone’s broad range of calling plans and services.

“We first introduced Truphone on a Nokia device so we are pleased to be able to increase the range of compatible Nokia devices and extend our loyal Nokia customer base further,” said Truphone CEO Geraldine Wilson. “Nokia is still the largest mobile handset manufacturer in the world so ensuring that we’re on as many of these devices as possible means more and more people can take advantage of Truphone’s fantastic rates to make international calls.”

With the addition of the 11 new handsets, Truphone is now compatible on 26* Nokia devices. Of those, software for 14 of the Truphone-compatible devices can now be downloaded from Nokia’s new Ovi store, with the software for 11 of the remaining 12 new devices to be added to the Ovi store soon.

In addition to the Ovi Store the Truphone application is also available for all 26 Nokia devices as an SMS over the air (OTA) download from the Truphone Web site, www.truphone.com, and will always parallel the applications available via the Ovi store.  The Truphone Web site will also include applications for other Nokia devices not currently available via Ovi, as well as the other supported mobile platforms.

The new Truphone-enabled Nokia devices are:

• N96
• N78
• N85 (also VoIP enabled)
• N79 (also VoIP enabled)
• 5630 (also VoIP enabled)
• 5800
• 5320
• 6210
• 6220
• 6650
• E63

After downloading and installing the Truphone application to their handsets, Nokia device owners will be able to take advantage of two calling plan options:

• Truphone Anywhere:  Calls made when customers are connected to local wireless networks are handled as local calls and then passed on to the Truphone network, from where they are routed at Truphone’s fantastic rates to landline and mobile phones worldwide. This service is intended for use in the user’s home country as savings cannot be guaranteed abroad.

• Truphone Wi-Fi calling:  Calls made when customers are in accessible Wi-Fi hotspots anywhere in the world, can be made for free to other Truphone users and at Truphone’s fantastic rates to landline and mobile phones worldwide.

All of the new handsets are Truphone Anywhere capable, and in addition, three of the handsets, the N85, N79 and 5630, are also compatible with the original Truphone Wi-Fi calling service, hailing back to Truphone’s origin as the first Mobile VoIP service available on Nokia N- and E-series devices.

This means that when customers are connected to a Wi-Fi network, a call to another Truphone customer is completely free and also means they can use a Nokia handset as an alternative, inexpensive roaming solution if they choose to only make calls when connected to a Wi-Fi network when abroad or anywhere.

With Truphone Anywhere, everyone can save money when making international calls.  It’s simple:  International calls dialled on a Truphone Anywhere enabled handset are connected as local calls to the Truphone network, then routed to their destinations at Truphone’s low rates. This means that for the price of local calls, which are often bundled in an operator’s monthly package,  customers can make calls to other Truphone users for free or to landlines and mobiles around the world for as little as 1.5p per minute.

- XXX -

* The following is the full list of Nokia devices that are Truphone compatible:

•    E51
•    E60
•    E61
•    E61i
•    E63
•    E65
•    E66
•    E70
•    E71
•    E90
•    N80ie
•    N81
•    N81 8GB
•    N82
•    N95
•    N95 8GB
•    N96
•    N78
•    N85
•    N79
•    5630
•    5800
•    5320
•    6210
•    6220
•    6650

About Truphone
Founded in 2006, Truphone is a global mobile communications provider in the business of innovating how people converse in our globally connected world.  As the industry’s first mobile Internet operator, the company makes it easy and affordable for users all over the world to keep in touch with friends, family and business contacts overseas or whilst roaming.  Truphone is the trading name of Software Cellular Network (SCN). SCN is privately owned, funded by both venture capital investment and angel investors.

Important information
Truphone is not a replacement for an ordinary telephone service and emergency calls cannot be made using Truphone. However Truphone does not prevent emergency calls being made via a handset’s normal cellular service provider. Truphone cannot advise on the legality of VoIP services in specific territories or jurisdictions. It is the user’s responsibility to confirm that use of the Truphone VoIP software and service is permitted in the location in which they use it.

Nokia, E50-E99, Eseries and N70-N99 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Truphone is a trademark of Software Cellular Network Ltd. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

TCPJ Unlocked Show #024

With all the new smartphones that have and are coming out recently, many more people are getting data plans.  We spend this show talking about how you can get the most out of that data plan.

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The Cell Phone Junkie Show #160

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #160 1:15:10
Show Notes
New iPhone hardware and software, senators targeting carrier exclusivity, and another update for the Palm Pre.

Thanks to our sponsor, Netflix
zBoost YX510 signal booster review

zBoost from Wi-Ex Contest – To enter, send a tweet with @wi_ex, @tcpj_mickey, and @tcpj_joey in the message.  2 weeks to enter, winner announced on Show #162

News
Senators target carrier exclusivity
Incoming chair to review exclusive deals
IRS seeks to repeal cell phone tax
RIM profits up, 8M devices sold last quarter
Nortel collapse
AT&T ending prepaid iPhone plans
AT&T making Wi-Fi easier for iPhone customers
AT&T and Verizon deny SMS price fixing
Verizon goes after telemarketers
Clearwire’s Wi-Max in Atlanta
T-Mobile dropping loyalty plan

Devices
iPhone 3G S reviews
AT&T alters iPhone upgradability status
Tethering coming for iPhone to AT&T
AT&T denies price rumor
iPhone 3G S upgrades going slow for many
3G S sound issue
Apple issuing $30 iTunes credit for activation issues
T-Mobile Dash 3G launching mid July
4 new Windows Mobile phones from Samsung
Omnia II on Verizon
Samsung Jet
LG GM730
LG GW550
HTC Touch Pro 2 hotting Orange and Vodafone
HTC Ozone
HTC Snap on Sprint
Blackberry 8520 coming to T-Mobile
Blackberry Tour coming to both Sprint and Verizon
Blackberry Pearl 8230 now on Verizon
Nokia E72 and Xpress Music 5530
Nokia N86 and N97 now available in the UK
T-Mobile to announce 2nd Android phone next week
Global Wireless Modem on Verizon

Software
iPhone OS 3.0 released
Comprehensive list of upgrades
Some hidden features of the new OS
Using the iPhone compass
New podcast controls
Unlocking the iPhone 3.0
Word Editing on the iPhone
Google updates maps through Android Market
Treo Pro ringer update
Streaming Sirius App for iPhone
Palm webOS SDK coming end of summer
Palm webOS 1.03 update
700,000 Palm Pre apps downloaded
Phone Creeper for Windows Mobile

Questions/Comments
Comment from Peter
Questions from Ryan
Comment from Wendy
Voicemail from Charles
Voicemail from Carl
Voicemail from Jeff

How to Contact us:
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510-495-6352

zBoost YX510 from Wi-Ex Review

zBoost YX510 from Wi-Ex Cell Phone Signal Booster Review

Last week, I reviewed the YX230 in-car cellular signal booster from Wi-Ex, and this week, I’m taking a look at the YX510. The YX510 is a home or office signal enhancing solution that like the YX230, is a simple and effective way to enhance your cellular signal. The YX2510 is available from Wi-Ex for $400, but may be found online for less.

In the Box

• zBoost YX510 dual band amplifier base unit with fixtures
• External Omni-directional Antenna
• Antenna mounting bracket
• Internal base unit antenna
• 50 feet of RG-6 coaxial cable
• AC Power Adapter
• Installation Manual

Specifications

zBoost YX510 Dual Band Base Unit

• Downlink: 869 – 894 MHz, 1930 – 1990 MHz
• Uplink: 824 – 824 MHz, 1850 – 1910 MHz
• Max output power: PCS 24dBm uplink, 13dBm downlink, Cellular 26dBm uplink, 10dBm downlink
• System Gain: PCS 55dB uplink, 78dB downlink, Cellular 54dB uplink, 67dB downlink
• Adaptive Gain Control and oscillation prevention
• Built in wall-mount
• RF Connectors: F-type female and TNC Female
• Operating temperatures: 40˚ – 105˚F

zBoost YX510 Dual Band Antenna Cable – This cable is used to connect the Clear Voice amplifier unit to the directional antenna.

• Length: 50 feet
• Cable type: RG-6 75-ohm coaxial
• Connectors: F-type male (both ends)

zBoost YX510 Dual Band Signal Antenna – The Wireless Extender zBoost YX510 dual band repeater kit comes with an omnidirectional signal antenna. This antenna is mounted outside your home or in the attic where the signal from the nearest cell phone tower is the strongest.

• Frequency Range: 824MHz – 894MHz,1850 MHz- 1910 Mhz
• Gain: 5dBi PCS, 3dBi Cellular
• Connector: F-type female
• Mount: Wall-mount and fixtures

About the Product
Designed for consumers, the zBoost dual band cell phone signal booster extends the cellular signal for single or multiple users in homes or offices simultaneously, and is compatible with all cellular and PCS phones, except Nextel. The omni-directional antennas are easy to orient and receive from multiple cell towers. Here are some highlights:

• Improves all PCS 1900 MHz and Cellular 800 MHz bands.
• Compatible with all networks (except Nextel)
• Wireless – Supports up to 20 users simultaneously with no need to connect to your phone.
• Improves standard CDMA and GSM voice signals, and also EVDO, HSDPA, UMTS, and EDGE data transfers.
• Approximate coverage is 2,500 sq ft.
• Easy to install and simple to use.
• 30-day money-back guarantee.

Installation
Installation of the product does take some time depending on your environment. I chose to locate the Signal Antenna in the back room of my office, which has an exterior wall and relatively good cellular reception. I then placed the base unit on my desk, to give me the maximum signal strength while working. To connect the two, I cut a hole in the wall of my office, ran the coax cable up and above the drop ceiling, and across to the mounted location of the Signal Antenna, this entire run was about 45 feet. Routing the cables can take some time, especially if you don’t want any of them to be seen.

The Base Unit is the amplification piece of the system, that looks very similar to a network router. Physically, it has 3 ports, and 3 lights. To use the base, you simply connect the AC adapter, coax leading to the Signal Antenna, and smaller antenna to the unit once everything is installed. I found it took various trials and multiple test locations, to find the area best suited for installation.  Make sure you take the time to do so as well to maximize efficiency.

The front of the Base Unit has 3 lights, Install, Signal, and Power. The Power light indicates operation for normal or abnormal conditions. The Install light reflects the “quality” of the installation. Positioning the zBoost properly is a function of using this light as your guide. If you are receiving a cell signal that is too strong or too weak, the amplification may not work properly. Finally, the Signal light indicates communication between a wireless device and the cellular network. The light blinks to show data being sent back and forth between a phone and the connected network.

Next is the Signal Antenna. This foot long omni-directional Signal Antenna gets positioned in a location that allows it to pick up signal from the providers tower that may be in a different room, or even outside your home or office.  Mounting is easy, with a single screw and a tension clamp, it only takes about 3 minutes once you know where you want to permanently install the antenna.

Then, a coax antenna is run between the base and the antenna.  Like I mentioned, I cut a hole in the wall behind my desk, routed the cable through it, and then up above the drop ceiling.

After everything is installed, simply plug in the ac adaptor and watch the base unit’s lights spring into action. A troubleshooting guide comes in the informative user guide that allows you to interpret the methodical flashing of the colored lights.

Use and Results
Using the YX510 is as simple as using your phone. The unit can cover approximately 2500 square feet based on signal level, placement of the antennas and building construction. My tests yielded about half that, giving me reliable coverage throughout the 1500 square foot office space I work in. I am testing out the device using an iPhone 3G S from AT&T. Comparing the signal strength, the difference is noticeable, about 15-20dBm. Working in an area that has constantly been a struggle for me with AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile, the zBoost YX510 is the first in-building product that I have used that reliably allows me to make and receive phone calls, as well as use the data connection on my 1900mhz network devices. The unit also enhances the 850mhz band, but this difference was less noticeable for me, as the Verizon service in my area is quite good.

Overall
For under $400, the zBoost YX510 Cell Phone Signal Booster from Wi-Ex is a good home or office solution for poor service and dropped calls. Having used other signal enhancing products, the YX510 works as advertised, and allows phones to be used in areas that have poor service more reliably.

iPhone 3G S memory

iPhone 3G S memory

Originally uploaded by gt2697

Such a welcome sight, over 100 mb of free memory on the device!

iPhone 3G S test photo

iPhone 3G S test photo

Originally uploaded by gt2697

Here is a photo using the camera of the new iPhone 3G S. This is a 3mp
camera with autofocus. I have used the 35 mph sign as the focus point
of the shot.

Apple, Scottsdale Quarter iPhone 3G S launch line

Apple, Scottsdale Quarter iPhone 3G S launch line

Originally uploaded by gt2697

Here is a picture of the line of folks at Scottsdale Quarter’s Apple store for the iPhone 3G S launch.

iPhone 3G S launch morning

After finding a buyer last week for my iPhone 3G, i made the decision that I would pick up the new iPhone 3G S.  After some deliberation, i pre-ordered myself the 32GB model in Black to pick up from my local Apple store.  I ended up waking up this morning at about 2:45, and was awake with anticipation of the morning, and my new phone.  One thing you have to realize is that days like this are like Christmas for any Cell Phone Junkie.  Even though I definitely didn’t need a new phone, it was something that I wanted to do.

After hopping on the internet for an hour and reading about all the others that were out waiting in line, i decided i should start getting ready for the day so I could do the same.  I packed up and left the house about 4:30, and arrived at the Apple store just after 5.

To my surprise, I was only the 3rd person here, so i am right up at the front of the line.  Thanks to Apple’s free Wi-Fi, i have been happily on my Hackintoshed Dell Mini 9 for the past 90 minutes, and true to form, it is still showing about 70% battery life.  This machine is a true mobile warrior.

So now, just 20 minutes away from the store’s opening, the line is now about 50 or so people, which all things considered, is not too bad.  I should be in and out of the store in just a few minutes, which makes the entire morning worthwhile.

Now, if I can just stay awake at work for the entire day, i should be good…

And I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

And I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Originally uploaded by gt2697

Got this email to day from Apple. I look forward to seeing them as
well!

Where in the world is Mickey’s HTC Touch Diamond, Part 2

After 2 weeks of continual checking on the FedEx site, it still appears that my Diamond is in Azerbaijan.  I just got off the phone with FedEx, and after about 30 seconds of reviewing the tracking information, the person on the phone told me that someone would be contacting me regarding the package.  That is never a good sign.

So now over 4 weeks after I first sent my phone off to HTC, I find myself in an interesting predicament.  I am leaving in less than a week for our trip through England and Ireland, and I really was counting on having this device with me, particularly for the data side.  It appears that I may have to count on my iPhone (using Wi-Fi since I can’t use a foreign SIM in it) and an unlocked Blackberry for voice.  I guess I will just chalk it up to a “lesson learned” for now…