Verizon Wireless and Innopath join for OTA updates

Verizon Wireless has added the ability to update software on new phones on-the-fly, a new offering that may stand as a key competitive advantage. The carrier is working with InnoPath Software Inc. to deliver its firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) service, which saves consumers a visit to a Verizon Wireless store or from mailing in their handsets to get updates. The FOTA functionality will begin to appear in handsets this year, the carrier said.
Demand for FOTA technology has risen as carriers and handset vendors rush devices to market and software updates are necessary to fix unforeseen bugs. FOTA vendors are exploring the next step: deliver updates that enable revenue-generating services.
Verizon Wireless and other carriers also announced new additions to their holiday portfolios.
–Verizon Wireless will offer a number of business and/or personal productivity devices using Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile 6 Professional operating system and QWERTY keypads, including Samsung Electronic Co. Ltd.’s SCH-i760 smartphone starting online tomorrow and in stores Nov. 2 for $350 after mail-in rebate, with two-year contract; and a carrier-branded XV6800 (no price given). The carrier also said it would offer the Palm Inc.’s Treo 755p and a carrier-branded SMT5800 PDA with a QWERTY keyboard and Windows Mobile 6 Standard.
–Alltel Corp. said it would carry the Motorola Inc. Rokr z6m at $130 after a $100 mail-in rebate and two-year contract.
–Virgin Mobile USA Inc. will offer Kyocera Wireless Corp.’s Wild Card handset, a music-centric handset-the first to offer streaming music from the mobile virtual network operator-at $100.
–AT&T Mobility is touting its new Sierra Wireless AirCard 881 LaptopConnect card that is compatible with the carrier’s HSUPA network upgrades. The price was not given, but the carrier is offering the card free through Nov. 3 based on the customer’s data contract.