Apple has been granted 26 new patents this week, two of which could end up being used in a future iteration of the iPhone. The filings from the US Patent and Trademark Office show Apple as owning patents for a push-to-talk (PTT) system, as well as one for a double-sided touch panel that could help the company make an even thinner smartphone.
Sprint is reportedly set to reallocate its 800MHz spectrum to be used for 4G LTE network technology. The company currently uses its 800MHz block for the aging iDEN standard, which is utilized for push-to-talk devices, however network operations president Steve Elfman claims the band eventually will be used for LTE, according to quotes posted by FierceWireless.
Electronista stopped by Motorola's booth to get a closer look at the new i1 push-to-talk handset. The housing is sealed to protect against water and dust, while rubber lining along the edges helps prevent damage from light impacts. Despite the rugged protection, the device still maintains the overall look of Motorola's Cliq XT handset.
In spite of promises to the contrary earlier this year, Sprint is indeed looking to sell its iDEN push-to-talk network, according to CNBC. Although no sources have been cited by the TV network, Sprint is already said to be negotiating with NII Holdings for a deal, as well as with separate private equity investors. NII operates primarily in Latin American countries, and is one of the few companies outside of Sprint to rely on iDEN.
Leaked photos on the Internet show the upcoming Motorola V950 will soon be available on the Sprint EVDO Rev. A high-speed network. The clamshell phone features a rubberized design that should enable it to withstand a fair bit of punishment in addition to making it waterproof. The carrier's recent QChat Push-to-Talk functionality will also be integrated into the handset.
Sprint on Thursday announced it will soon add four phones with Nextel Direct Connect support in more than 40 US cities. Each new phone will support the Nextel push-to-talk (PTT) network that connects subscribers in less than one second. Some of the handsets' features include call alerts and a Group Connect function over the PTT network that allows communication with up to 20 users at once. The phones can either use one phone number for both traditional calling and PTT functionality, or have a dedicated number for each.
Motorola will premiere a new phone with the debut of Verizon's push-to-talk (PTT) service this summer, promotional documents show. The V750 is intended for people working in environments such as construction sites, and as such is designed to meet the US military's 810F specification, which requires protection against elements such as heat, cold, dust, shocks and solar radiation. It likewise has extended battery power, enabling talk-time of up to 330 minutes, or standby of 540 hours (22+ days). These figures do however shrink in PTT mode, falling to 230 minutes and 83 hours, respectively.
Sprint will not only continue to support its iDEN network, it will attempt to breathe more life into it, the company's CEO says. Rumors have persisted that the company would shut down its push-to-talk technology, which was inherited through the purchase of Nextel and was once in widespread use with the likes of construction firms and taxi companies. Although iDEN devices are still used by millions of Sprint/Nextel subscribers, the Associated Press notes that business and technical issues -- namely dropped, blocked or garbled calls -- have led thousands of people to cancel their accounts.
