Tech.Wapline

RIM BlackBerry will offer a new software application suite for select devices based on Windows Mobile 6. It will provide virtual BlackBerry experience over the Windows Mobile environment but will act just like a normal third party application. The suite supports BlackBerry email, phone, calendar, address book, tasks, memos, browser, instant messaging and other applications developed for the BlackBerry platform. Devices running the BlackBerry application suite will be able to connect to BlackBerry services via BlackBerry Enterprise Server as well as BlackBerry Internet Service.

This means that one will be able to simulate a BlackBerry on his or her Windows Mobile 6 smartphone, but still keep its positive sides, as the BlackBerry suite will be just a single application and not something that replaces the Windows OS.

source: RIM BlackBerry

Fujitsu seems to be keeping up a steady pace with its convertible tablet PCs these days, introducing another pair of new ultralight models for those willing to accept a few trade-offs in favor of portability. The processor looks to be the biggest difference between the two models here, with the P70WN packing a Core Solo U1400 processor and the P50WN opting for a Celeron M443 instead. Otherwise, each will give you the same 8.9-inch touchscreen with a 1280×768 resolution, and between 60 and 80GB of hard drive space, with the whole thing barely weighing you down at about 2.2 pounds. Unfortunately, there’s no word on pricing or availability, although we suspect it’ll be spending some time in Japan before the rest of us can get our hands on it.

Sony has announced the release WipeOut Pulse for the PSP with a scheduled for September. Developed by Sony Studios Liverpool, this is fantastic news for fans of the original franchise as they will be granted with brand new tracks, new racing anti-grav craft, an impressive array of destructive weapons and seven different high speed game modes.

According to the press release, in addition to wireless multiplayer mode WipEout Pulse will have the following features:

- 7 diversified single player and multiplayer modes, including wireless multiplayer mode via Ad Hoc and Infrastructure Modes
- Downloadable content available at launch and post-launch: new circuits, ships and music tracks
- Pumping soundtrack licensed by a range of top artists including Mason, Loco Dice and Stanton Warriors
- 8 teams including the new EG-X team and 24 new exhilarating tracks
- New Mag-Strip track feature: Allowing for a huge variety and dynamism in track design including loops, vertical drops and 90 degrees angled sections
- Snap a photo of your ship at any time in Photo Mode and upload online to show the world

In true WipEout tradition, WipEout Pulse will host a roster of today’s top artists including Mason, Loco Dice and Stanton Warriors.

PocketGamer have managed to get their hands on JoyTech’s new battery charger solution for the PSP. JoyTech have produced a unit which is primarily a rechargeable battery pack designed to prolong your PSP playtime when you’re beyond reaching distance of a power socket.

Yet its design cleverly enables a further four functions: namely, a screen protector, a sunshield, a ‘comfort grip’ option and movie viewing stand.

Installation is simple, with the PowerGrip quickly attaching itself to the top side of the PSP with the aid of two screws driven into the two holes either side of the USB output. It’s a firm fixing (though care should be taken not to overtighten the connection), which then enables the unit to rotate around its attachment in order to fulfil its various functions.

When flipped over the front of the PSP, the handheld’s lovely screen is protected by the PowerGrip’s hard (albeit cheap) plastic backing (and in contact with its stiff foam interior lining to prevent damage).

Source: PocketGamer

Microsoft was ordered by a federal jury yesterday to pay $1.52 billion in a patent dispute over the MP3 format, the technology at the heart of the digital music boom. If upheld on appeal, it would be the largest patent judgment on record.

I realize that patents are created to protect the people who develop intellectual property, but I also think this was out of line. If you develop a new technology, you should get it out there yourself as/in a product or start selling the licensing for it. Waiting 20 years and then going for the wallet is a move made by people looking for the easy money, I think. I know a lot of you will disagree, but think about the “licensing” of Internet hyperlinks that was talked about (usually with gritted teeth) a few years back.

What do you think. Should Microsoft have to pay?

[via New York Times]