CNBC Business | THE PHONE AGE

THE PHONE AGE

We’d be lost without the internet, satnavs and on-the-go entertainment. How handy then, reports Priscilla Awde, that we can now combine them all

RIM

In a first, RIM is introducing pay-as-you-go, a prepaid Blackberry platform developed by Alcatel-Lucent and is collaborating with Vodafone to create new consumer services. A raft of new and enhanced applications are now available for Blackberry users including:

>>Blue Mobile offers real time access to financial information on over 51,000 stocks from 94 global stock exchanges and daily from markets in 55 developing countries. It provides access to Dow Jones premium newswires, futures, options and currency markets plus company news and financial information. Financial data is displayed in different graphical formats and the application includes professionalgrade analytics. More information is available from www.bluesystems.info.
>>WorldMate has upgraded its travel information tool. Managing itineraries, flights, hotel bookings and business meetings on the move is easier and real time alerts advise on flight delays or cancellations. Costs and information from www.worldmatelive.com.
>>Fed up with managing expenses? Optimii from Outerin links Blackberries to company accounting systems. Expenses can be allocated to entries on the phone and project, customer or charge codes assigned. Information is fed directly into corporate billing systems. Mobile calls can be automatically logged against projects or tagged as personal calls; calendars are tied to billable time slots and expenses booked against client meetings. More from: info@outerin.com

BETTER ENERGY

Keeping communications devices charged in places where there is no mains power is made easier with BetterEnergySystems. Its Solio devices charge a range of handheld equipment including mobile phones, MP3 players, cameras and PDAs. Chargers may also be plugged into wall sockets and can store energy in batteries for up to a year. Fully charged Solios can recharge average phones twice and one hour of sunlight translates into 15 minutes talktime or 40 minutes of MP3 music. Prices range from €52; information from www.solio.com

G24 INNOVATIONS

Initially available in one, and half watt configurations, solar charger mats from G24 Innovations power up a similar range of handheld electronic devices. Flexible, lightweight, dye-sensitised thin film solar cells have been incorporated into foldable mats and even panels on backpacks. Using no silicon reduces prices and devices can be charged with relatively small cells which are effective in overcast or low light conditions. Users can start by buying small units, adding modules to give extra capacity when needed. Starting at around €16, the first mats are already on the market. More information is available from www.g24i.com

INTEL

Intel is due to launch its Montevina range of mobile wi-fi/WiMax enabled laptops this summer and new ultra-mobile internet low power tablet type PCs. The aim is to embed highspeed, wireless broadband access technology into portable, multifunctional devices. Several other producers including Nokia, Toshiba, LG-E and BenQ are incorporating Intel WiMax chips into products this year, launching devices which combine entertainment with communication, productivity and high-speed data. With big touch screens, they are designed for easy use, and merge smart phone practicality and cameras with notebook functionality.

UNITED MOBILE

HOME FROM HOME:
Staying in touch while abroad
just got more affordable Using mobiles abroad can cost but now international travellers can cut and even avoid roaming charges. Available in 140 countries, United Mobile offers free incoming calls in more than 80, and reasonable rates on outgoing calls. SIM cards can be recharged over the internet, there are no monthly fees, contracts or minimum usage demands and users keep the same number worldwide. Starter packs, tariffs and country coverage lists are available for €29.90 from united mobile.com