Some of you may remember Motorola's old PEBL model that was the mark of the company's mobile devices during the time. While it isn't exactly called the PEBL 2, don't let the MOTO U9's similar appearance deceive you - it sports a whole lot more in terms of video playback and other features.

The biggest focus the U9 has to offer is the support for syncing with Windows Media Player 11. So if you have any WMA, MP3, AAC, AAC+, and AAC+ enhanced files lying around, you can rest assured that the U9 can play them for you.

Other notable features include the CrystalTalk technology which reduces background noise and increases call clarity, a microSD expansion, and a 2 megapixel camera. Also, the whole "floating" effect the external display has just makes your wallpapers look more realistic than ever.

People can expect the MOTO U9 to hit shelves in the fourth quarter of this year in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. While no North American release plans have been revealed so far, importers can still avail of the phone's quadband GSM/EDGE technology to quell any compatibility issues.

Rob Shaddock, senior vice president of Feature and Mass Market Phones, Mobile Devices, Motorola, explained the new model's best qualities, saying:

MOTO U9 combines the surprising with the familiar, the latest in premium design and inventive controls with the next popular spin on Motorola's classic clamshell design to deliver the most stylish and dynamic mobile music experience. MOTO U9 embodies the stylish side of Motorola’s music-enabled devices, further building on our strong portfolio of products for a diverse global audience.

Folks, there's a new BlackBerry smartphone and service in town! Wireless innovation company Research In Motion (RIM) announced the BlackBerry 8330 World Edition the other day. Likewise, Verizon Wireless revealed its new Global BlackBerry service that will provide consumers an "always-on, always connected" wireless e-mail solution.

These two, furthermore, allow users to just use local number either for domestic or international use (Australia, Europe, parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North America). Speaking of which, the Global BlackBerry Service is capable of making and receiving calls from more than 150 countries as well as send and receive e-mails in more than 60 different countries.

RIM President and co-CEO Mike Lazaridis mentioned that consumers have a lot to look forward to from BlackBerry 8330. He added,

The BlackBerry 8830 is built on an exciting new device platform that combines CDMA and GSM/GPRS roaming support with the latest in industrial design and functional innovations. This innovative and stylish smartphone includes all the benefits that users have come to love about the BlackBerry solution along with a compelling new global service from Verizon Wireless.

Both the smartphone and the service will be available on May 14 and BlackBerry 8330 will be priced for US$ 299.99. A couple of its features include:

• EV-DO/GPRS network connection for high-speed data transfer in more than 60 countries
• GSM/GPRS (900/1800 MHz) for continued voice and e-mail while traveling internationally
• Auto-selection of CDMA/GSM Mode
• Thin form factor of just 14mm for both style and easy handling
• New Trackball navigation system
• Media player
• Expandable memory option with microSD card (sold separately)
• Speakerphone
• Bluetooth® capabilities for certain profiles inclusive of hands-free, dial-up networking and serial port
• Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD)
• Instant Messaging capabilities for quick and easy communication

 

Remember when we introduced you to Ozura? In case you've been out of the loop, Ozura Mobile
is responsible for such games as Lava Kroft, Underground Racer and Beauty Queen. Recently, Ozura Mobile has even announced a partnership with Zingy, Inc. to distribute Ozura's new games such as Antopia, R.A.T.S., Peng The Guin, WWD and others.

What about Zingy Inc.? The US-based company licenses, publishes and distributes all sorts of mobile content. Zingy Inc's Director of Games, Matt McEnerny says that they are very excited about such a partnership. It will give them access to some fantastic titles for all of distribution outlets. Zingy is also hopeful that the relationship with Ozura will put a greater impact on their business.

Ozura believes that their partnership with Zingy will help them distribute their games in a more global market including U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Australia. It's been forecasted that the market for mobile games is going to increase. Revenue generated from mobile content is expected to grow from US$ 7.7 B in 2005 to US$ 36 B in 2010. Ozura is optimistic that it will take advantage of such growth.