"BlackBerry 10 Smartphones Formally Launched; Received Tepid Reactions"

BlackBerry 10 Launching

After months of waiting and several delays, Research In Motion has finally unveiled its new line of smartphones that run on its latest BlackBerry 10 operating system in hopes of regaining its market. The company, which has announced it would be forsaking its name to take the brand of its signature product, seemed to have impressed investors as its share price fell 12 percent after announcing during the New York launch that we will have to wait until March to purchase the new BlackBerry 10 devices.

"Unlocking Smartphones for Other Carriers Now Illegal in US"

Locked Phone

Starting today, unlocking a smartphone to use it with another carrier is illegal in the United States unless you have already purchased that locked phone.

"Samsung Unveils Bendable OLED Smartphone Screens"

Samsung Flexible AMOLED display CES

Another common trend in CES 2013, apart from 4K TVs, are the flexible screens. LG and Nokia have demonstrated their take on the technology, but it is Samsung’s turn into the spotlight.

"Ubuntu Mobile OS Coming Soon"

Ubuntu Mobile OS

Canonical Ltd., the company behind Ubuntu, has announced the first major tech news of 2013: a mobile version of the Linux-based operating system will soon be available. The OS is based on existing Android kernel and drivers, except that it does not have a Java Virtual Machine. The Ubuntu mobile OS, which Canonical brags would use the “full power of the phone,” is compatible on both ARM and x86 devices.

"Samsung to Offer Tizen-Based Smartphones"

Tizen

In an apparent attempt to loosen its dependence on Android, Samsung has confirmed it plans to offer a line of devices based on Tizen mobile OS in 2013.

"Full Unveiling of BlackBerry 10 Set on January 30th"

BlackBerry 10

While the question whether the BlackBerry 10 would reverse the fortunes of Research In Motion remains unanswered, the maker of BlackBerry has announced when it will formally launch its upcoming mobile operating system: January 30, 2013.

Facebook Mobile Finally Has “Share” Button

Facebook Photo Share

If you are that annoying guy who shamelessly shares links and cat photos on Facebook, you probably have noticed a welcoming change on the mobile version: it finally has a “Share” button.

"Republic Wireless Opens $19 Unlimited Plan for Everyone"

Republic Wireless

In these days when you look for ways to save a lot of bucks, you might want to ditch your expensive mobile service and give Republic Wireless a try. We have heard about this wireless carrier last year, announcing that subscribers can enjoy free international calls courtesy of its own country code.

"These Shoes were Made for Charging"

Android Shoes

A tremendous amount of time has been spent developing new and cool gizmos and gadgets, and now a directly proportionate amount of energy is being spent finding alternate ways to power all our stuff. Smaller batteries, solar power, charging stations, thermo-electric power. We have a lot to choose from, and now we may not have to look much farther than our feet.

"Ex-Nokia Employees Launch iKaaz Mobile Payments"

Ikaaz HTC Desire S

Back in March, Nokia dissolved Nokia Money, its mobile payments and cash management service that was launched in India. A number of Nokia Money veterans then banded together and have formally introduced iKaaz, a two-pronged mobile commerce program that allows users to pay goods and services with or without NFC.

"Nokia Launches 'Parking Space Finder' Service"

Nokia Parking App

Because finding that elusive parking space could take forever, Nokia has unveiled an upcoming service called Nokia Parking. The service, which is set to be launched in Europe in November, not only would assist users to find parking but even helps them pay for it to avoid getting towed.

"iPhone 5 Could Face Potential Patent Issues"

Samsung Galaxy Phone

As Apple prepares in launching what could be its next iPhone, its bitter rivals waiting in the wings waiting to give the company the late Steve Jobs co-founded a taste of its own medicine.

"Indian Prime Minister to Give Free Mobile Phones to Poor"

Sister - Phone

As technology continue to widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots, several sectors attempt to use technology to bridge the gap. The government of India, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, plans to provide one mobile phone to “every family living below the poverty line” at no cost on the family’s part.

"Google, PayPal, Verifone, US Carriers Unite to Form Mobile Payments Commission"

Mobile Payments

The mobile payment industry–particularly the NFC variety–remains at its infancy in the United States, with several companies jockeying for position to set the standard. However, without proper direction (not to mention the willingness to adopt to new technologies) the NFC payment system would remain an impractical curiosity for many consumers.

"Google Introduces Gmail SMS for African Market"

Gmail SMS

While some parts of the world get connected using the latest smartphones and tablets, SMS remains the only form of wireless communication in many parts of Africa. To give residents in African countries a more consistent way of reading and answering to email straight from their mobile phones, Google unveils Gmail SMS for Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya.

"Nokia Includes Groupon Deals in Map App"

Nokia Groupon

Nokia Lumia users will have a new reason to love their smartphones, as the phone maker announces a partnership with on-demand deals company Groupon. Nokia releases its Nokia Maps 2.5 app, which is now integrated with Groupon Now!. The new service provides limited-time offers from local establishments such as restaurants, stores, and service providers that can be located directly in the map.

"Freedompop Brings Free WiMax to iPod Touch"

Freedompop Free WiMax iPod Touch

Many tech observers have high hopes about Freedompop and its promise of free wireless Internet for iPhones equipped with its special cases. Turns out the company is also cooking another 4G-capable case, this time for the iPod Touch.