Get the details on the newest fad among mobile scam artists. Plus: predictions on the future of mobile video, Sony Ericsson's flashy import clamshell, and a Taiwanese pop icon becomes the latest star to promote Motorola.
Report: No mobile video boom until 2008
 Waiting for mobile video to take off? You may be waiting until 2008 for mobile TV to evolve past today's "experimental phase," according to Arizona-based research firm In-Stat. The report predicts that about 50 million portable media players will be circulating worldwide by 2008, and that more than 10 percent of U.S. wireless users will subscribe to mobile video services by 2009. However, only about one in eight users said they'd be interested in watching mobile video on their cell phones, and the survey was inconclusive as to whether respondents wanted a video/cell combo device or separate gadgets for calls and mobile TV. (Source: In-Stat)
Related link: Top-rated entertainment phones
SMS phishing on the rise
Looks like phishing is making inroads in the mobile arena. Security gurus at McAfee say they're seeing an uptick of phishing attempts via SMS -- a phenomenon that McAfee has dubbed "SmiShing". According to the report, unsuspecting cell users might get a text message warning them that they've signed up for a bogus subscription service (such as online dating) and that they must follow a URL to opt out. Once at the site, users are instructed to download a malicious program that could steal personal data, turn their PCs into malware-spewing zombies, or worse. The moral of the story? Beware of text messages from anyone you don't know. (Source: McAfee Avert Labs Blog)
Mirror, mirror, on the … phone?
Sony Ericsson is looking to make an impression with its latest import handset, which boasts a "magic mirror" external display. The Z610 clamshell (slated to arrive in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa this fall) comes in three colors and has a slick mirrored finish on the outside flip, which makes the hidden OLED appear to float on the front of the phone. The UMTS-enabled handset also comes with a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth (including stereo headset support), video calling, a Memory Stick Micro slot, and a USB 2.0 port. (Source: Sony Ericsson)
Related link: Top-rated Sony Ericsson phones and headsets
Taiwanese superstar Chou to sing Moto's praises
 Motorola is hoping to get a boost in China with the help of Jay Chou, one of the biggest pop stars in Asia. Announced Monday in Beijing at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, the agreement calls for Chou to become Moto's "brand ambassador" in the Greater China region. The Taiwanese singer/songwriter is set to appear in ads and commercials, while his latest tracks, videos and ringtones will debut on MOTOMUSIC, the first commercial music download service in China. Last but not least, Motorola plans to release a customized Jay Chou edition of the ROKR E2 music phone in September. (Source: Motorola)
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