SMS to know when your bus will arrive

SingTel and SBS Transit have recently launched the iris NextBus service that empowers users to get real-time bus arrival information via their mobile devices.

This service is currently exclusive to SingTel subscribers, though SBS Transit is in discussions to extend the iris NextBus SMS service to other telco network users in the future.

Previously accessible on the Internet and via GPRS, users now simply have to key in the busstop number space and bus service number to 74744 and a return SMS will include information on how long it will take for the next two buses to arrive.

Nothing revolutionary here that would change your world, but if you need to make a dash to the nearby ATM, knowing what time your bus will arrive helps.

Sony Ericsson's K810i joins the Cyber-shot camp

Successor to the widely popular Cyber-shot K800i, the K810i is finally available at retail stores in Singapore.

The Sony Ericsson K810i has big shoes to fill considering the popularity of the K800i, and it attempts to do so with a slimmer and lighter body. Other new features to set it apart from its predecessor include the PhotoFix application which is said to enhance image quality and the illuminated camera icons to the side of the main keypad when the shooter is activated. But is it worth the upgrade? Read our review to find out.

The Cyber-shot phone is currently available at S$698 (US$467.11) with a two-year plan and S$798 (US$534.03) without plan.

Samsung refreshes its Ultra Edition 12.9

The Korean electronics giant recently gave its popular Ultra Edition 12.9 (a.k.a. SGH-D900) a mini makeover, encasing it in a silver metallic body, instead of the traditional black exterior. The upgraded quadband cellular, now called SGH-D900i, also comes with a new FM radio and larger onboard storage (65MB versus the earlier 60MB), on top of the other features found in the original 12.9 slider.

While the design and dimensions of the new slider have pretty much remained the same, the online specifications show an 8g increase in weight, most possibly due to the metallic cover. It is also interesting to note that the updated Ultra Edition handset has a longer rated talktime and standby time than its predecessor. The SGH-D900i is now available in stores at a retail price of S$429 (US$287.09) (without contract).

First unveiled in Asia during CommunicAsia 2006 as part of a series of super-slim phones, the original Ultra Edition 12.9 features a slim 12.9mm profile and comes with a 3-megapixel camera, memory card slot and Bluetooth.

Asus gets first WM6 smart phone in July

This totally slipped under our radar, but Asus has recently announced its first Windows Mobile 6 smart phone--the M530w.

Expected to be available in Asia come July, the Asus M530w is the company's first WM6 smart phone after its recent announcement that the P735 handheld will get an upgrade to the new operating system in the same month. The rest of the Asus lineup to receive WM6 treatment in July are the A639, A626, A686, A696 and P535.

The 3G-enabled Asus M530w comes with Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) and Bluetooth connectivity. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera that supports auto-macro, a 2.4-inch QVGA screen and a full QWERTY keyboard.

Apple iPhone gets official thumbs up

Apple's long-awaited iPhone has been given the go-ahead by the US government in time for its rumored June launch.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given Apple the thumbs-up and the device is now set for launch. While Apple has kept the exact launch date of its first mobile close to its chest, it's widely believed to be some time in late June.

The FCC typically tests new devices to the market for various factors including SAR (specific absorption rate)--how much radiation is absorbed into the owner's head--when the device is in use.

The FCC approval documents don't, however, give away more details of the closely guarded iPhone: Apple has requested that details including pictures of the handheld device and its user guide remain under wraps for 45 days.

When the device does go on sale, it will be licensed exclusively to US operator Cingular at two prices, US$499 for a 4GB device and US$599 for its 8GB equivalent, although it's not known whether Cingular intends to subsidize the device.

Apple has given the official launch date for the UK as late 2007 but has yet to reveal which mobile operator will be its partner in this country.

Jo Best of Silicon.com reported from London.

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