Sprint, Motorola Offer MOTO Q

Sprint Nextel Corp. and Motorola are offering the MOTO Q smartphone. It operates on WindowsMobile 5.0 and gives customers access to e-mail, the Web, music, video and phone. Other features include mobile broadband service on the Sprint Power Vision Network, NFL Mobile and on-demand Web content. Sprint is enabling the MOTO Q with flexible connectivity options including a phone-as-modem functionality to allow customers to use the device with a laptop for high-speed data access. Sprint is expected to begin offering the MOTO Q in all channels including Sprint stores in mid- February. www.sprint.com, www.motorola.com

Vocera Enhances Hands-Free Communications System

Users of Vocera Communications Vocera Badge (a Star Trek-like communications device) can take advantage of updated software that lets Badge users access third-party applications such as messaging from the gadget. This means workers can respond immediately to customers, patients and colleagues. The enhanced version further increases the number of users that can be logged in to the system at the same time it now supports 4,200 simultaneous users, instead of 1,800. www.vocera.com

Bluefire Updates mobile Security Software

Bluefire Security Technologies, a developer of security software for mobile devices, has updated its Mobile Security Enterprise Edition to support the newest softphones, including the MOTO Q, T-Mobile SDA, T-Mobile Dash and the Samsung BlackJack. It also allows IT administrators to customize the software, dictating policy control for Bluetooth, infrared, speakers, cameras and microphones; featuring inbound and outbound firewall filtering; and setting inactivity timeouts. www.bluefiresecurity.com

AdvanceTec Offers Hands-Free Kit for Nextel Phones

AdvanceTec Industries Inc. is making its hands-free cellular kit available to wireless dealers hawking Nextel phones. The device improves GPS use, the company says, and has full duplex sound and a 10-watt amplified speaker. Users can dial using verbal commands. The kit also comes with an external antenna, charger and remote push-to-talk control. www.advancetec.com

Network Chemistry Strengthens Security Software

Network Chemistry Inc. added a security measure to RFprotect Endpoint, its wireless security policy software that lets IT administrators set connectivity rules for laptops and smartphones. The shored-up feature means companies can set security policies while devices are in the office, at home with a telecommuter or on the road with a traveler. Its an important addition, especially since data devices increasingly are at risk of being stolen, and thieves can gain unauthorized access to corporate networks and information. www.networkchemistry.com