iPhone Buzz » GSM

Apple gets the iPhone trademark in Japan

ashoperon — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:40:30 +0000

Everybody calm down for a minute, this just what one site is reporting, and this does not mean that an iPhone is coming to Japan, not just yet at least. It is telling though, that Apple at least has an interest in Japan. Why this matters so much though, as opposed to other countries the iPhone goes to, is what type of network they run in Japan. If what they are saying is true, then the iPhone just could be on it’s way.

If you guessed 3G, then you are absolutely correct. Unlike the US, where AT&T offers a GSM network, and a 3G network, in Japan, they have already abolished traditional GSM in favor of 3G GSM, which is actually W-CDMA. 3G of course offers faster data, better voice quality, and overall more interactivity than the 2G based GSM technology.

For the iPhone to come to Japan, it would have to be 3G enabled. Apple negotiating terms for the iPhone trademark in Japan, means they got their eye on Japan. We all know the 3G iPhone is coming soon, but Japan is just another piece of the puzzle. Everything is falling into place, all the signs are there. Now, it is just a waiting game with Apple.

[Via DigitalWorldTokyo]

Meizu M8 Mini One – iPhone clone will launch in August

ashoperon — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:59:16 +0000

We have been seeing the M8 Mini One by Meizu for quite some time now. It was not too long after the iPhone came out that we started seeing the clones. This one my Meizu though, has arguably been the most successful, well persistent, clone to date.

While Meizu had very little mind of their own when making this device, and it is very apparent when looking at the device. Before totally writing it off though, it is at least worth glancing at the spec sheet, with features such as: Wifi, TV out, capacitive touch screen, quad band GSM, 3 megapixel camera, and Bluetooth 2.0.

The device will be made available in August. While the device will never go on sale here, it is supported, as it has that 4th GSM band. No price has been set. Really though, does anybody that has even heard of Meizu not have an iPhone already though?

[Via VR-Zone]

iPhone international roaming: What you need to know

ashoperon — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:09:12 +0000

We all love our iPhones, and of course, they go everywhere with us. What about when you leave the comfort of AT&T’s network and travel abroad? Can I take my iPhone with me? Will cost me extra? These are very important things to know while planning that trip, and could save you from some massive inconveniences and not to mention a bundle of your hard earned cash. In this post, I will address some common questions and concerns, and give you the information you need to know before you go.

First things first, the iPhone uses the GSM cellular network. GSM is the most common type of cellular signal in the world, and more than 80% of all cellular networks in the world use this technology. The iPhone, is what is known as a ‘quad-band’ GSM phone. This means it supports all 4 of the common GSM frequencies in use today. This means of course, that yes, you can take your iPhone with you on your trip!

Of course, it is not just that easy. To use your iPhone abroad, there are several preparations you need to make, to ensure you are not slapped with a huge bill. By huge, I mean up to four figures, don’t mess with this! To put it in prospective, 1 YouTube video, could cost as much as $40 dollars to stream without the proper plan features. You will need to have an international roaming package added to your plan before you go.

For data, AT&T offers two different options for your trip. It is not pro-rated, and it is charged for one full month, even if your trip is not that long. For $24.99 and $59.99 you can get 20MB or 50MB of data, respectively. If this is not for you, make sure you have International Data Roaming toggled off on your iPhone. To do this, go to Settings > General > Network > Data Roaming. This will ensure your iPhone will not automatically ping the internet when you are not watching, for example to check email. You will still be able to use WiFi, at no charge, just as you can here.

For voice, AT&T offers international voice packages. Calling rates vary from country to country, so you will have to notify AT&T of which country you are going to, so they can add roaming for that country to your plan. A list of rates by country can be found here.

If you are visiting Japan or South Korea, unfortunately, you will not be able to use your iPhone. Those countries use the 2100MHz W-CDMA network technology there, and the iPhone is not compatible with it (yet!).

For more information, please visit AT&T’s International page.