Nokia
GSM phones
Nokia Corp. introduced three new GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) phones operating on the 900 MHz frequency band. The Nokia 8810 has a protective slide cover and is accented with a touch of silver. It offers built-in data communications capabilities with infrared connectivity, call profiles and caller grouping functions. The 8810 weighs 98 grams and is expected to be available in GSM 900 markets during the third quarter. The Nokia 9110 is a second-generation communicator that provides mobile office data communications capabilities, including Internet access, e-mail, telefax and short message service as well as personal organizer functions. The pocket-sized device weighs 249 grams. It also enables wireless imaging and comes with an optional multimedia card for extra data storage. The Nokia 9110 Communicator is scheduled to be available in volume for GSM 900 markets-Europe and Asia-in the third quarter. The Nokia 5100 series of GSM phones features Xpress-on Covers, which allow users to change the mobile phone cover by themselves, without any special tools. There are a variety of colors and designs to choose from. The Nokia 5100 series consists of two models, the Nokia 5110 for GSM 900 markets and the Nokia 5130 for GSM 1800 markets. The phones are expected to be available in volume in Europe and Asia in May.
Actix
Handover monitoring optimization tool
Actix introduced a new system that enables monitoring and data collection on handovers between 900 MHz GSM and DCS 1800 MHz networks using global positioning. Surveyor measures radio-frequency coverage and network parameters for GSM, AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service), (ETACS) (Extended Total Access Communications Systems) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks. A map of the user’s route is displayed showing signal level readings as they are taken, and full message data is available. Actix also introduced the Actix Probe, a hardware unit containing interfaces for one or more mobile phones with an integral global positioning capability. The unit is able to test voice, data and fax services for a network provider-or its competitors. The Probe system supports GSM, PCS (Personal Communications Services) and DCS, and support for other standards such as CDMA is expected to be available soon.
Contact: Amanda Lloyd
Tel: (+44) 181 748 9828
www.actix.co.uk.
Tertio
Provisioning software
Tertio, a provider of network-management solutions, introduced Provident, a service provisioning platform for mobile operators to rapidly test and launch new competitive services and features. Provident can provision many elements from multiple vendors on a single platform, thereby creating cost savings and efficiency, said the company. Provident’s scripting capability enables a variety of network-element features to be combined so new services can be offered with minimum disruption to the billing system. The provisioning function is separate from the responsibility of the billing system, thereby reducing dependence on the billing software.
Contact: Yvonne Slater
Tel: (+44) 171 843-4000
www.tertio.com.
Texas Instruments
Development tool
Texas Instruments introduced a new development tool designed to significantly cut design cycles and reduce development costs for any wireless system using TI’s single-chip Digital Baseband (DBB) solution. The Wireless Hardware Emulation Tool, which is the first product offering in TI’s new line of wireless tools, can be used for digital cellular handsets, base stations, Wireless Local Loop systems, personal digital assistants and advanced pagers. The Wireless Hardware Tool consists of TI’s DBB device with 112,000 words of on-chip digital signal processing (DSP) random access memory (RAM), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)-based library of commonly used peripheral modules such as timers and a serial port interface.
Tel: (+1) 972-995-3333
www.ti.com/sc/docs/wireless/home.htm.
Plantronics
Hands-free headset
Plantronics CHS142N headset allows wireless phone users to use their phones without having to hold the phone with one hand or cradle the phone between their ear and shoulder. The hands-free headset converts from an over-the-head style to an over-the-ear style. The noise-canceling microphone filters out background noise. The headset works with any cellular or personal communications services phone with a 2.5 mm headset jack, and an adapter can convert other wireless phone models into a hands-free solution, said Plantronics.
Tel: (+1) 408-426-5868
www.plantronics.com
MSI
Network management software
Mobile Systems International launched Maxxer, a new software product designed to maximize performance management for wireless communications networks. Maxxer uses a data Warehousing concept and stores, refines and delivers information to all parts of an operator’s organization. It will monitor the exact performance of the network and enable efficient processes for managing network growth, said MSI. Maxxer was developed to fit with MSI’s network planning software, called Planet, and other of the company’s products.
Contact: Beatrice Farina
Tel: (+44) 171-971-2970
www.msi-world.com
Siemens
Weatherproof mobile phone
Siemens AG introduced its “S 10 active” weatherproof outdoor mobile phone that is resistant to both impact and scratching. The phone comes with deep-set rubberized buttons, a six-line color graphics display and an intelligent user interface. It supports all GSM data services without the need for a PCMCIA card and is equipped with an integrated clock, alarm and voice memo. The phone weighs not more than 185 grams and provides about 10 hours of continuous talk time or up to 120 hours of standby time.
www.siemens.de/handy
