As reported here on Cell Phones Etc. and across the Web, here’s your daily brief on what happened in the world of mobile phones this Thursday, April 28th, 2011.
NPD: Apple passes RIM, Motorola to become third largest phone seller in U.S.
Android may be dominating the mobile OS wars, but as far as phone maker market share goes, Apple is still in the thick of things in the US. In fact, according to NPD, they’ve now overtaken both RIM and Motorola to become the third largest phone vendor in the US. The top spot is still held by Samsung (23%) followed by LG (18%). Apple now holds 14% market share. Globally, though, Apple’s still got a long way to go if they want to break into the top three.
BGR
Mobilicity Officially Launching in Calgary Today
Mobilicity continues their expansion throughout Canada, and the latest province that can now enjoy the carrier’s services is Calgary. They’ll be opening up 70 distribution points in the region, and so as to celebrate their arrival in Calgary, they’re putting a number of handsets on sale and lowering some of their plans, including their $60/month plan (unlimited: local talk, text and picture messaging, North American long distance, global texting, data and BlackBerry services) which can be had for just $45/month for a limited time only.
Softpedia
Rogers to release the Nokia E5
There’s a new Nokia phone headed to town, and its courtesy of Rogers. For those not familiar with this particular phone, the Nokia E5 packs a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, WiFi, GPS, a 2.4-inch display, and a full QWERTY keypad. Unlike most Eseries phones, this one, unfortunately, doesn’t come with 3G connectivity. Pricing and launch date are both still yet to be known though.
Mobilesryup
Android 2.3.4 heading to Nexus S over the air, bringing video and voice chat to Gtalk
Video and voice chat (via Gtalk) will soon be available on Android, and by soon, we mean the next couple of weeks. It’s coming by way of Android 2.3.4, which will be first released to the Nexus S over-the-air with other Android 2.3 devices to follow suit thereafter. This is basically Google’s answer to FaceTime. With this feature, Android users can now place a Google Talk voice/ video call straight from their phone to their Gtalk buddies, regardless if the other person is also using an Android device while on the road, or at home on their PC. And in stark contrast to FaceTime, this works over 3G/4G as well apart from WiFi. Now that’s what I call true mobile video calling without limits.
Engadget
TELUS sale drops 3-year contract price of Nexus S, Fascinate 3G and Torch 9800
Missed out on Telus‘ 3-day sale? Well, here’s a new one that sees the Samsung Fascinate Android phone drop to $0 on a 3-year contract. But that’s not all on sale. From its regular price of $149.99 on a 3-yr deal, you can now get the new Nexus S for just $99.99. Yeah, we know. That’s how much its regularly priced on Rogers, but hey, if you seriously want to get it from Telus, now’s the best time to do so. This sale will run up until May 8th. Oh, and as for the BlackBerry Torch, it’s now retailing for $79.99.
Mobilesryup
