Kyocera's Echo on pre-order; Cellular South to sell HTC Merge

Quick news from across the Web

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> Shoppers are now able to place orders for Kyocera's Echo smartphone for Sprint Nextel. Article

> Reuters reports on a mobile phone "panic button" for protesters that will wipe the phone's address book and also alert other protesters to the event. Article

> Cellular South said it will sell the HTC Merge world phone. Article

> Engadget reports on possible problems with and fixes to the HTC ThunderBolt. Article

> MetroPCS announced a version of the Huawei Ascend smartphone designed in conjunction with mixed martial arts and lifestyle brand TapouT. Release

> Simple Mobile announced retail deals with Circle K, MoneyGram International, TigerDirect.com and CompUSA. Release

> Sprint Nextel suspended Jawa's ability to process premium text messages. Article

> Research In Motion scored access to Intellectual Ventures' patent portfolio. Release

> Research In Motion's PlayBook got a nod from the Canadian finance minister. Article

Mobile Content News

> Mozilla launched Firefox 4 for Android phones. Article

> SK Telecom is considering making a bid for bankrupt U.S. video rental chain Blockbuster. Article

> Google formally introduced in-app billing functionality across Android Market. Article

And finally... Boost Mobile got a boost from basketballer Carmelo Anthony. Article