News Under the Sun

Phone Makers

Nokia ran into the arms of Microsoft, announcing that the it will start producing Windows-based smartphones. Nokia, which has struggled to develop its own Symbian and MeeGo operating systems, will phase out the two platforms to focus on Windows. Its CEO Stephen Elop, a former Microsoft executive, told employees in a leaked memo that they needed "drastic change".

Microsoft will finally get the vender it so desperately needed. Both companies plan to shake-up their shake-up-management-again.html">top management.

Hewlett-Packard unveiled its long-awaited WebOS products -- the Pre 3 and Veer smartphones, and its first tablet, dubbed the TouchPad. The devices will be released in the spring and summer, going head-to-head against Apple's new iPad 2 and iPhone 5 and Google's spate of new smartphones and tablets.

Medical leave won't hold back Apple's chief executive Steve Jobs. Reports say he has been taking business meetings and calls from home and making key decisions on the upcoming iPad 2 and iPhone 5 devices.

Regardless, investors are keen to pass a proposal forcing Apple to name a successor should anything happen to Jobs.

Apple may release a new smaller, cheaper iPhone in the coming months, as it looks to stem the flood of Android products taking over the market. The iPhone, which captures the high-end market well, can't compete in emerging regions such as China and India, where the average phone is a few hundred dollars.

Meanwhile, word from insiders say Apple's research and development team has been busy developing new technologies for its mobile devices, including a dual-mode iPhone that runs on CDMA and GSM, as well as a Universal SIM, allowing travelers to pick from networks without having to swap cards. Whether these services end up in future Apple products remains to be seen, as the company regularly scraps ideas before getting to market.

HTC keeps gaining momentum as it posted record sales from the popularity of its Android devices. The company also acquired Saffron Digital, a mobile video specialist, and invested Onlive, an on-demand gaming company, to shore up its content distribution strategy. CEO Peter Chou has said it will focus on mobile services to differentiate itself from the hordes of other Android makers.

Sony Ericsson gave a sneak peek at its new PlayStation phone, dubbed the Xperia Play. The ad, which ran during the Super Bowl, briefly shows a slide-out gaming controller. An ominous voice-over said, the Play has "everything you need and one thing you want". Sony Ericsson will officially announce it at the Mobile World Congress on Monday.

Telecoms

After record-setting pre-orders, Verizon started selling the iPhone in its stores, though crowds were smaller than expected due, in part, to the inclement weather sweeping across the country.

A few things are slightly different on the new model. Importantly, Apple redesigned the antenna, eliminating the "death grip" issue that plagued AT&T iPhones. Not so importantly, a few buttons have been slightly shifted, causing case makers to scramble to redesign their products.

In addition, Verizon is prepping VoLTE, a 4G calling service that lets customers talk and place video calls over its data network, instead of using minutes. The move will reduce the strain on its network from data-hungry iPhone users.

In other news, Verizon plans launch the HTC Thunderbolt, its first 4G phone, on February 24.

AT&T, meanwhile, continues to prepare for the worst. The carrier sweetened its deals, by giving away unlimited voice to qualified customers. This comes after it gave away free data minutes and tethering, and allowed a few subscribers to switch back to unlimited data plans.

AT&T also released the HTC Freestyle, an Android smartphone. Separately, the Black Eyed Peas complained about poor coverage during their Super Bowl performance.

Sprint posted a surprise addition of new subscribers for the first time in three years. Although a little late, it's now finally going all-in on Android. CEO Dan Hesse said 70 percent of its new phone launches in 2011 will be running Android.

Sprint then unveiled the Kyocera Echo, an Android device with two touch screens that work separately or together, for a tablet-like view.

T-Mobile was fairly quiet. However, it did mention a Valentine's Day sale with TV star Khloe Kardashian. On February 11 and 12, consumers can get any phone for free when they sign up for a two-year contract -- a desperate attempt to lock in customers amidst Verizon and AT&T's iPhone war.