The HTC Droid Eris (also from Verizon) also received an OTA update. This update boosts the phone from 1X mode to 3G, provides better picture messaging (including the addition of support for messages coming from LG phones), and increases the number of characters of MMS and SMS messages to 80.

RIM Betters Server, Media Software

Research In Motion launched a software update that improves the BlackBerry Enterprise Server for business users and the Media Sync software for personal use. BlackBerry Enterprise Server SP1 (supported by Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes) improves the BlackBerry Monitoring Service home page to let users view more information regarding the elements monitored by the BlackBerry Monitoring Service. Additionally, you can now access the BlackBerry Monitoring Service from the dashboard of BlackBerry devices and view items such as alarms and messages. There are also new administrative permissions and the ability to add, delete, or update Wi-Fi and VPN (virtual private network) profiles simply by importing a CSV file.

Media Sync 3.0 offers users a new interface as well as the ability to sync photos. With the updated program, large images will now be automatically resized by memory management software to provide the maximum amount of space possible for photos.

Pixi Gets An Upgrade

The Palm Pixi (available through Sprint) upped its webOS version to 1.3.2, which includes a few small tweaks. The update enhances the reliability of wired headset buttons that answer and end phone calls. Additionally, the upgrade patches a variety of security issues. The Palm Pre runs the Palm webOS but did not get the same upgrade, and it remains at version 1.3.1.

Android Users Enjoy Carrier Billing From T-Mobile

T-Mobile customers with Android phones can now purchase apps from the Android Market and charge them to their monthly phone bill rather than paying via credit card or Google Checkout. T-Mobile’s addition of carrier billing (which applies to the T-Mobile G1, myTouch 3G, Motorola Cliq, and other Android phones) will make it more convenient for users to purchase applications, which Google and T-Mobile hope will also make producing Android apps more appealing to developers. Although other carriers offer Android-based mobile phones, T-Mobile is the only carrier to offer carrier billing, and it offers more Android phones than any other carrier.

In addition to sending out OTA updates for Android phones, T-Mobile has also sent out an update for the Sidekick LX 2009. Although it’s not a major update, it does fix some bugs that have caused devices to crash or freeze, and it provides support for T-Mobile’s Mobile Backup service. Mobile Backup service is a free service that lets you save all the information you have about your contacts so you can have it in the event your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Congress, FCC Look At ETFs

When Verizon Wireless announced it would increase its ETFs (Early Termination Fees) from $175 to $350 for certain one-year and two-year service agreement contracts, lots of people took notice—including a handful of United States senators. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota.), along with Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin), and Sen. Jim Webb (D-Virginia), has introduced legislation (called Cell Phone Early Termination Fee, Transparency and Fairness Act) that would cap the amount wireless carriers could charge for ETFs and require carriers to prorate the fee. The bill would also ensure that the fee would never be more than the discount provided by the carrier. Additionally, the bill would require carriers to properly educate their customers about the ETFs.

In a statement about the bill, Sen. Klobuchar says, “Consumers should not be punished with exorbitant cancellation fees if they want to change cell phone service providers. This is a basic issue of fairness.”

The Federal Communications Commission is also investigating the ETF price hike by Verizon Wireless. It sent the wireless company a formal letter that inquired about the change in its policy. The letter contained several questions meant to get clarity on Verizon’s intentions and the specifics of the plan.

Sprint, iPCS Close Deal

Sprint has officially purchased iPCS, and with it come 700,000 new Sprint customers. The acquisition will help Sprint gain momentum and new networks in the Midwest. The purchase will also wash away pending litigation between the two companies, which sparred over the sales of Sprint products. In addition to 700,000 new customers, Sprint also inflates its service region so that it now reaches almost 13 million people.

Toshiba Creates More Smartphone Storage

Toshiba announced it has built a 64GB NAND flash memory module to extend the storage capacity of future mobile devices. However, it could also be implemented in netbooks and video cameras. This new memory module tops the industry charts as the highest capacity available. There have been no announcements in regards to which devices will receive the new technology, but Toshiba says it will likely start producing the new technology in mass quantities in early 2010.

Verizon Offers Free Wi-Fi To Some

Verizon has introduced the Verizon Wi-Fi Service, which offers free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These free Wi-Fi hotspots, however, are only available to customers with a Verizon Mobile Broadband or GlobalAccess monthly service plan, and users need to have a supported device. Verizon Wireless smartphone users are not eligible to use the free Wi-Fi hotspots. The Wi-Fi hotspots are listed at www.verizonwireless.com/wi-fi.

by Tessa Warner Breneman