February 19, 2009
Nokia to Sell Phones With Skype Software
Wired
Reuters writes that Nokia has struck a deal with Skype to offer the company’s software onto some of its new smartphones starting from this year’s third quarter.
“Skype, whose technology has allowed legions of consumers to make practically free long-distance calls over the Internet on fixed lines, has been moving into the mobile arena with deals with operators such as Hutchison Whampoa’s 3. Nokia (will) install Skype in its high-end N-series phones, starting with the N-97..”
About Damn Time: Phone Makers To Standardize Chargers
Techdirt
Carlo Longino writes that phone makers and operators have just announced they’ll standardize on mini-USB chargers.
“While this is being touted as mainly an environmental decision, it’s a situation where environmental, economic, and usability benefits converge. Presumably, many device makers will eventually stop shipping new chargers with phones, reducing their costs and cutting charger production; users will benefit from consistency across vendors and devices.”
AMD wins approval for manufacturing spin-off
ZD Net
Larry Dignan writes that AMD has won approval to spin-off its manufacturing assets. Here are some more details surrounding this news.
“ On Wednesday, AMD said that its shareholders approved a proposal to issue shares and warrants to create a joint venture between the chip maker and Advanced Technology Investment Company of Abu Dhabi. This venture, dubbed ‘The Foundry Company,’ means AMD gets a lot of capital spending off of its books. The deal to create the manufacturing joint venture is expected to close March 2.”
