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Long Anticipated Android™ Smartphone Features 4-inch Screen and 1.4GHz Processor

Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEAP) today announced the exclusive United States availability of the Huawei Mercury, Cricket’s fastest and most powerful smartphone, yet. This highly anticipated device is available now for $249.99 (MSRP) at Cricket branded retail stores, dealers and at www.mycricket.com.

“We are extremely pleased to be the first carrier in the United States to bring this high quality smartphone to customers and we’re excited that we are able to offer this compelling device at a very affordable price,” said Matt Stoiber, senior vice president, devices for Cricket. “In addition to its big screen and powerful processor, the Huawei Mercury is packed with many great features including a VGA front facing camera and 8MP rear camera and camcorder with LED flash. Users can also enrich their wireless experience by tethering the powerful Mercury to their tablet and other devices through Cricket’s new tethering service plan over Cricket’s high-speed 3G network.”

“Huawei’s device strategy has always been to ensure that carriers can continue to grow the population of smartphone connected consumers. We’ve been able to establish ourselves as a player in this market by providing affordable smartphones, and we’re building on that foundation with devices for the high-tier market now,” said Jiangao Cui, President of Huawei Device USA. “This particular device, the Huawei Mercury, is an opportunity for us to offer a quality high-end device to the U.S. market that can deliver rich multi-media content including music, video and gaming applications seamlessly.”

Huawei Mercury Features

1.4Ghz Processor
4″ FWVGA Touchscreen
Email application for both consumer and business email
8.0 MP AF HD rear camera/camcorder
VGA Front Camera
2GB Internal Memory
Real Web Browsing at 3G speeds
Wi-Fi Capable
Stereo Bluetooth
Mobile Hotspot (i.e. Tethering); supports up to 5 devices
Support for Google Mobile™ Services – Gmail™, Google Maps™ with 3D maps and free turn-by-turn navigation, Google Earth™, Movie Studio, YouTube, access to more than 300,000 apps, millions of eBooks, thousands of movies to rent from Android Market
The Huawei Mercury joins Cricket’s growing smartphone lineup and is available on Cricket’s $55 per month smartphone service plan that includes unlimited talk and long distance, caller ID, voicemail, call waiting, 3-way calling, call forwarding, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, 3G mobile data and email.
Additional Cricket Services Supported

Cricket Storefront Client — The Cricket Storefront is Cricket’s own application storefront which is preloaded from which users can purchase ringtones, graphics, ringback tones, games and applications. A user must have Flex Bucket funds available in order to make purchases from Cricket’s Storefront.

Cricket Mobile Web — Access the Internet from the phone, anywhere Cricket data coverage is available.

My Account — My Account provides Cricket customers with online access to billing and account information. Once customers are registered and logged into My Account they have the ability to add a line of service, upgrade their phone, change their plan, add new plan features, change billing and communication preferences, view text message purchases and check the status of an online order.

My Backup — The My Backup application will back up the users contact list, perform regular updates and download contacts.

For more information about Cricket’s dynamic device lineup, please visit www.mycricket.com. To follow Cricket’s latest news and updates online, go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/cricketwireless and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cricketnation.

PocketCloud Explore Debuts as First Multi-Device Content Search App, Now Available in the Android Market – Search laptops, PCs and your mobile devices all from one app

Wyse Technology, is changing the way people search, view, and organize their digital lives while on the go with the launch of the Wyse PocketCloud Explore mobile cloud app. The app also pioneers multi-device search, allowing users to easily access files anywhere on their device or remote computers.

Connecting Android devices to content on computers, Wyse PocketCloud Explore enables users to view and share that content from mobile devices. For example, if a user wanted to find the folder of photos from a combined business and vacation trip but could not remember whether it was on their home computer, work computer or office server, they could search all the devices at once and open it on their Android phone.

“At its core, Wyse PocketCloud has always been about making computing on mobile devices easy, intuitive and secure, and Wyse PocketCloud Explore is a perfect example of our dedication to this philosophy.” says Daniel Barreto, general manager of the mobile cloud business unit at Wyse. “With Explore we are providing a way for people to finally search their entire digital lives from absolutely anywhere.”

The Wyse PocketCloud Explore app provides the convenience of remote file storage and access without the extra cost or security risk of placing files in third-party storage clouds. Where cloud storage companies charge hundreds of dollars to store files, Wyse PocketCloud Explore allows unlimited access to the files already on users’ devices. This allows users to remain in control of their own content and still have anytime, anywhere access to their digital lives. In short, it no longer matters which device a file originated from or where you saved it, with Wyse PocketCloud Explore you’ll be able to find it, organize it, and share it and quickly and easily.

Wyse PocketCloud Explore features include:

• Search and browse all files and folders on your computers and Android devices
• Unlimited copying and moving of video, image, and audio files between Mac or Windows computers and Android devices
• Open remote files in the app viewer or edit in your choice of Android apps
• Create and delete folders and rename or delete documents
• Open a remote computer file from Android email client and send as attachment

Wyse PocketCloud Explore allows users to finally achieve a sense digital harmony with the efficiency of multi-device search, the power of full mobile computing, the beauty of a native Android interface, and the security of retaining control of digital content. Wyse has not only pioneered multi-device mobile search, they have created true digital Zen.

Wyse PocketCloud Explore for Android is available now for $4.99 and can be downloaded here: http://market.android.com/details?id=com.wyse.filebrowserfull

Facebook’s Timeline feature is now out of beta and available to all users worldwide. Originally announced during the f8 conference back in September, it wraps up all the information you’ve posted, friendships you’ve made and embarrassing photos you were tagged in, in a neat, date organized package.

Currently timelines are visible on the main site, via the recently updated Android client and the mobile version of the site. https://market.android.com/details?id=com.facebook.katana

Features:
Navigate anywhere, fast: Get to your groups, apps, pages, and settings with a single press
Search and you will discover: Look through friends, subscribers, apps, and pages
See your friends tags on pictures and zoom: New photo viewing experience
Faster notifications: Get alerted in real time with new push notifications
Games & Apps: Play games and access your favorite apps on the go
Access to mobile timeline (If you already have a timeline)
Access to friend lists and subscriptions

Facebook Timelines: How to Get Started : http://www.pcworld.com/article/246295/facebook_timelines_how_to_get_started.html#tk.rss_news

Google Map Maker has been updated making the interface easier for new users.

Map Maker, which launched in the U.S. in April of this year, is largely meant to extend the Google Maps service into countries where there isn’t much data, namely, emerging markets.

You can now draw in new roads, bike trails and other local features in over 180 countries and once approved, (there is a moderation system in place,) they’ll appear integrated into this alternate universe Google map.

There is a tutorial page explaining the tools on offer.

Google Map Maker is now live in over 180 countries, including the U.S. and Canada.

Ofcom have announced it’s “Draft Annual Plan sets out our work programme for 2012/13” presenting Ofcom’s strategic purposes, proposed priorities and work programme for the twelve months from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013.

Ofcom (officially the Office of Communications; is the government-approved regulatory authority for the broadcasting and telecommunications industries in the United Kingdom. Ofcom was initially established by the Office of Communications Act 2002. It received its full authority from the Communications Act 2003. Ofcom’s focus no longer includes some of the technical standards issues overseen by the previous regulatory agencies.

Read more: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/draftap1213/summary

Twitter is rolling out a major redesign aimed at making it faster, easier to navigate and more attractive to advertisers, writes Emma Woollacott on Tgdaily.

Twitter redesigns to take on Facebook:

“The new look is consistent across Twitter itself, iOS, Android and the TweetDeck desktop app. It now includes a section called ‘Stories’, displaying to the user stories and trends based on earlier activity.

A Connect tab shows users who’s following them or retweeting their tweets, and Discover is basically a rebranding of hashtags, but with more personalization.

The Home tab displays incoming tweets, allowing them to be expanded to view photos or videos. Profile pages now feature a larger header image for the user’s logo, tagline or other visuals.

The new design is available immediately for iOS and Android users, and will roll out to everybody else over the next few weeks.”

Tamron Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, announced the introduction of an exciting new lens, the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC (Model B011). The new high-power all-in-one zoom lens is designed for the Sony NEX (E-mount) series of interchangeable-lens, lightweight and compact digital cameras. Tamron, the zoom lens pioneer, brings 19 years of high-power zoom lens development technologies to this new product. The lens will begin shipping in the U.S. December 15, 2011.

With the 18-200mm Di III VC (Model B011), Tamron has created a high-power all-in-one zoom lens that is compact and lightweight, featuring a 62mm filter and weighing only 16.2 oz., while at the same time delivering superlative image quality. This compact size lets users easily shoot across an extended range – from wide-angle to full telephoto – with just one lens. The focal length coverage is 18-200mm. Converted to the coverage of the 35mm format, this is equivalent to a range of 27mm wide-angle up to 300mm full telephoto. This allows the user to easily take wide-angle shots of expansive landscapes and powerful telephoto images that enlarge the details of distant subjects-all with one lens. In addition, by setting the lens at the telephoto end (200mm) and moving in to the minimum focus distance of 19.6″, flower petals, jewelry and other small objects can be shot as expanded close-ups.

Product Features
Compact and lightweight
The high-power 18-200mm all-in-one lens is a lightweight and compact zoom weighing 16.2 oz. with a 62mm filter, designed for exclusive use on the E-mount lens system on Sony’s NEX series mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras.
Built-in stabilization enables easy handheld shooting from 18mm wide angle to 200mm full telephoto

Equipped with Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation), and thanks to its light weight and compact size, this lens allows easy handheld shooting of sharp images with no camera shake over a wide range of settings, from everyday snapshots to memorable travel scenes.
Stepping motor adopted for the AF drive, a construction that accommodates contrast-detection AF and shooting video

The AF drive has a stepping motor that is optimal for the Contrast-detection AF system employed by NEX series cameras. This also gives the drive a quieter operation, which is ideal for shooting video in which voices are recorded. In addition, ease of operation is enhanced with the Direct Manual Focus (DMF) function, which allows the user to make fine manual adjustments after initially focusing by AF.

Striking appearance worthy of the NEX series design.
The metallic lens barrel exterior is available in two colors: black and silver.

About the stepping motor
The B011’s autofocus mechanism uses a stepping motor that is an ideal match for the Contrast-detection AF system used in Sony’s NEX series cameras. The stepping motor’s actuator allows finely tuned control of angular rotation,
and since it drives the focusing mechanism directly without an intermediate reduction gear, it also provides superbly quiet performance.

About the VC (Vibration Compensation) system
Tamron’s VC mechanism employs a three-coil system, whereby three driving coils activate the shake-compensating VC lens group electromagnetically via three steel balls. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the steel balls, achieving smooth movement with little friction. This provides a stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking performance that eliminates the blur from handheld shots for cleaner, crisper shots.

About the new VC mechanism (moving coil system)

Tamron’s conventional VC (Vibration Compensation) unit has a moving magnet system with heavy magnets in the vibration-compensating lens. However, the new VC mechanism adopts a lightweight moving coil system that reduces the load on the drive system. This allows the drive to be operated with smaller coils and magnets, reducing the weight and size for the entire VC unit. In addition, improvements to software and other elements of the VC mechanism used in the 18-200mm Di III VC have made the mechanism even quieter.

FUJIFILM North America Corporation announced the FUJIFILM Instax Mini 50S, a sleek, piano black camera that produces high quality instant photo prints. The Instax Mini 50S is the newest addition to the popular Instax family, and uses FUJIFILM Instax Mini Instant Film to produce credit card sized photo prints that can be shot anywhere and developed instantly.

The trim and black Instax Mini 50S includes great features for taking high-quality photos, including two shutter release buttons placed on the front and side of the camera for portrait or landscape prints, and a self-timer that takes one or two pictures at once. The film has a blank strip at the bottom so that you can write a message under the photo.

“There is something very special about taking an instant photograph and being able to share it immediately with your family and friends” said Kayce Baker, director of marketing, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “The new black Instax Mini 50S has a unique and modern design, and it makes a perfect companion for every event that you want to capture instantly.”

As the holiday and party seasons approach, the Instax Mini 50S is the perfect gift for the photographer in your family, and since the Instax Mini 50S is so easy to use, anyone can pick it up, turn it on, and shoot all of those great moments in an instant.

Instax Mini 50S additional features
Macro lens for close-up shots up to 30cm away
Intelligent flash for brighter backgrounds
Exposure indicator display
Brightness control to lighten or darken photos
Tripod mount
Shiny black finish
MSRP: $129.99

Instax Mini Instant Film
ISO 800 film speed (20 exposures)
Glossy finish
Sharp, clear reproduction
Vivid color and natural skin tones
Film size: 2″ x 3″ image area: 1.8″ x 2.4″
MSRP: $19.99

The Instax Mini 50S and Instax Mini Instant Film are currently available at photography retail stores and online. To learn more about the entire line of Instax Instant Film Cameras and Instax Mini Instant Film visit FUJIFILM Instax.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides binoculars, and optical lenses for closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 16 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2010, and in the year ended March 31, 2011, had global revenues of $25.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.