Technology notebook
Published 9:53 pm Sunday, August 29, 2010
Nokia moving into laptops
Nokia Corp., the world’s largest maker of cell phones, said Monday that it will start making a small, light laptop, similar to ones PC manufacturers are already selling through wireless carriers around the world.
The Finnish firm says the Nokia Booklet 3G will run Microsoft Corp.’s Windows software, have a 10-inch screen and weigh 2.8 pounds. That puts it squarely in the “netbook” category pioneered by Taiwanese manufacturers like AsusTek Computer Inc.
Nokia said it would reveal the price and launch date of the PC on Wednesday.
Discounting for AT&T bundle
AT&T Inc. has started offering its first bundle discount for customers who combine its U-Verse TV service with wireless and broadband.
AT&T said Monday that customers who sign up for U-Verse TV and a cell phone plan for at least 450 minutes per month, or for U-Verse phone service, will get $30 per month off broadband for six months.
The offer is available only in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio, but it will expand to other U-Verse markets in the next few weeks, the Dallas-based company said. U-Verse is available to about 13 million households.
AT&T has previously provided monthly discounts to people who have signed up for wireless service and non-U-Verse broadband at home.
Microsoft offers access for cell users
Microsoft Corp. is giving people with regular cell phones access to the same kinds of programs that smart phone owners have embraced.
Microsoft’s OneApp software, announced Monday, is aimed at developing countries where so-called “feature phones” and prepaid systems are prevalent.
Microsoft’s first partner is Blue Label Telecoms Group, which sells prepaid cell phone minutes. In a few weeks, Blue Label customers will be able to download OneApp just as they would getting a new ringtone.
Associated Press
