Mobiles reviews

Nokia Siemens is negotiating terms to acquire the telecom-equipment unit of Motorola, in a deal that would speed up the dismantling of the embattled communications company.

Opera has released Opera Mini 5.1, its newest mobile web browser for Android devices. The updated browser features enhanced page layouts and a better overall browsing experience. Read the full story here.

Satellite music provider Sirius XM is now offering a native iOS 4 version of its Premium Oline Radio application. The new app is available now for Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users. For users running iOS 4, this latest version of Sirius XM's app (version 1.3.3) offers background audio via multi-tasking. With this new feature, users can stream audio while working in other apps. Other features include improved buffering and improved organization of channel lists. The new Sirius XM app is available now for free in the App Store. Read the full story here.

Microsoft is expected to launch full support for its search engine and related services, Bing, on the Android smartphone platform in the coming weeks. Read the full story here.

Orange UK will soon be offering the Samsung C30 Champ and E2550 Monte Slider to its PAYG customers. According to its Coming Soon page, The Champ is a compact touchscreen phone with a 2.4-inch QVGA display, a 1.3 megapixel camera, FM radio support, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card slot. The Monte Slider is a entry level handset that offers a 2-inch color screen, a 1.3 megapixel shooter, an FM radio, and microSD card expansion. Both phones are expected to be offered for less than 100 GBP. Read the full story here.

Nokia Siemens Networks is discussing purchasing Motorola's telecom unit, The Wall Street Journal is reporting. A deal worth $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion could be made in the coming weeks. The purchase could be ideal for Nokia Siemens as it would give the firm access to Motorola's telecom clients. Nokia Siemens is a joint venture that consists of Nokia and the German firm Siemens AG. Read the full story here.

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Microsoft is paying programmers to develop mobile applications for its new Windows Phone 7 software, in hopes of catching up to the number of third-party programs available to rivals Apple and Google.

China is planning to approve Nokia's application for a license to offer mapping services through its Ovi Maps software, the AP is reporting. In June, China began requiring foreign firms to submit applications in order to offer mapping and location services in China. Microsoft and Google have not applied for applications, and Nokia could be the first foreign firm to be approved. Read the full story here.

Verizon Wireless today announced that anyone purchasing a Motorola DROID X can also purchase a 32GB SanDisk microSD card for $100, a $50 savings. With the 32GB microSD card installed, the DROID X will have a total storage capacity of 40GB. Read the full story here.

SK Telecom, the South Korean wireless carrier, announced that it is going to allow its customers to place VoIP calls over its 3G network. SK Telecom subscribers with "All-in-One" and "Number One" plans will be eligible to use the "m-VoIP" service. SK Telecom didn't specify when the launch would occur, or if it would introduce branded apps such as Skype to its handset portfolio. The Associated Press seems to think that this means applications such as Skype will be allowed, but the SK Telecom release made no specific mention of currently available consumer VoIP services. Verizon Wireless launched a similar service in the United States on March 25th, which allows subscribers to place Skype calls over Verizon Wireless' circuit-switched network. Read the full story here.

Nova Media is now offering its FoneSync client which allows the bada-powered Samsung S8500 Wave to sync with Apple's Mac OS X. The software is available in the U.S. and in Europe. Read the full story here.

Microsoft is offering incentives to Windows Phone 7 developers, including guaranteed revenue, according to Bloomberg. In an effort to catch up to larger application stores, such as Apple's, Microsoft is offering free tools, Windows Phone 7 devices, and even support for marketing, to Windows Phone 7 developers, Microsoft's Todd Brix, a senior director, told Bloomberg. "We are investing a lot to attract developers big and small to Windows Phone 7 to let them understand what the opportunity is and provide as many resources as we can to help them be successful on our platform," Brix added. Read the full story here.

Part one of our Samsung Vibrant for T-Mobile video review, covering the unboxing, physical design, and some of the features - including Sims3 and the Avatar movie that comes pre-installed. The Galaxy S based Vibrant features a 4-inch Super AMOLED display and runs Android 2.1. Watch the video here.

Today Virgin Mobile USA announced a new prepaid plan called payLo. There are two $20 payLo flavors, a 400 minute version that costs 5 cents per minute, or a 90 day plan that costs 20 cents per minute. Those plans don't include SMS, MMS, or data, which cost $.10, $.25, $1.50 MB/day, respectively. Phones cost between $9.99 and $39.99. Read the full story here.

The HTC Wildfire is low-cost Android 2.1 smartphone that borrows many features from the pricier Desire, but not its cost. Russ gives it a thorough testing in this in-depth review, with video. Read the full story here.

Apple will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss the iPhone 4, as concerns grow over reception problems with the device's antenna.