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Maybe it's a result of the time I've spent working in wireless, but it seems like there's two parts to the life cycle of a cell phone: the hype and rumors before, and the hype and rumors post-launch (what other carriers it will come to, what revisions will be made in the next version, etc.).  The Pre launched on June 6th, and though we've had a few rumorless months, that changes today.

A PreCentral reader named Calvin has come across some information leading us to believe that the Palm Pre is coming in GSM form.  When you look at the above picture the model number is listed as P100UNA.  Calvin references the GSM Treo Pro here, which was coded T850UNA.  The "U" stands for UMTS, and the "NA" stands for North America.  If that's not enough dirt for you, a Bluetooth Gadget Guide Listing shows both the P100UNA and the P100UEU (UMTS-European Union version).

With the information presented by Calvin, we'd be willing to guess that a GSM variant of the device will be out and in the hands of AT&T customers in...oh, say...early 2010?

Breaking news today from Verizon Wireless, who announced approximately 15 minutes ago that the first LTE 4G data call had been completed in Boston, MA, followed shortly thereafter by Seattle, WA.  The calls, initiated by devices provided by LG and Samsung, involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads, and web browsing.  More importantly however, the voice element was successfully completed using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a question that was initially raised due to LTE's challenges in regards to voice transmission. 

Each of the cities have 10 LTE 4G cell sites up and running, and were chosen by network planners due to their "geographic configuration of suburban and urban areas as well as the areas' high-technology population."  Verizon Wireless is scheduled to commercially launch their LTE 4G network in 30 markets in 2010, followed by a rapid push for full nationwide coverage by 2013.

VERIZON WIRELESS COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL LTE 4G DATA CALLS IN BOSTON AND SEATTLE

Trials Include First Field-Level Tests Integrating Network Vendors' 4G Technology Over 700 MHz Spectrum

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. Verizon Wireless today completed its first successful Long Term Evolution (LTE) fourth generation (4G) data call in Boston based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard; the company also announced today that it had earlier completed the first LTE 4G data call based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard in Seattle.  The successful data calls involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads, and Web browsing.  Significantly, Verizon Wireless has successfully made data calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable voice transmissions over the LTE 4G network. 

In collaboration with its network infrastructure providers, the wireless leader's successful completion of the data calls over its 700 MHz spectrum in Boston and Seattle marks the next step in its deployment for building its LTE 4G wireless network, which is being built on the 3GPP Release 8 standard.  In both locations, the data calls were executed on commercial infrastructure platforms.

Technology partners helping to enable data calls in these initial markets include Alcatel-Lucent (Boston) and Ericsson (Seattle) for base station/radio access network, LG and Samsung for trial devices, and Starent Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks for network equipment.  Devices from LG and Samsung will soon be supplemented by devices from ST-Ericsson, Motorola and Qualcomm. 

Tony Melone, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Verizon Wireless, said, "Verizon Wireless, with outstanding cooperation from our partner suppliers, is fully committed to harnessing the power of LTE over our 700 MHz spectrum.  This combination of state-of-the-art technology and prime spectrum will soon make a ubiquitous, highly mobile, super-fast broadband experience a reality for customers.  This significant milestone in our LTE 4G network testing, exemplified by the first data calls in Boston and Seattle, further validates our early support and decision to select LTE as the standard for our next-generation wireless broadband network."

Boston and Seattle each now have 10 LTE 4G cell sites up and running on the 700 MHz spectrum.  These LTE 4G markets were selected by network planners due to their geographic configuration of suburban and urban areas as well as the areas' high-technology population.  The trials will help Verizon Wireless and its LTE 4G network partners understand issues that include how to best prepare cell sites and how to add the new technology to the network. 

Verizon Wireless expects to commercially launch its LTE 4G network in up to 30 markets in 2010, covering 100 million people.  In subsequent years, an equally aggressive growth plan will result in full nationwide coverage in 2013. 

For more information about Verizon Wireless' LTE 4G network, visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte.  

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving 87.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 87,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia. 

Those who are considering a jump into the BlackBerry world (or are changing devices) realize that the commitment to own a BlackBerry is only half of the battle.  Within the BlackBerry community, there's numerous device models to choose from, all of which serve different purposes and do different things.  The Bold 9000, Curve 8900, Tour 9630, Curve 8520, Pearl Flip 8220/8230, and the Storm 9530 are just a few of the newest members in the huge BlackBerry family.

Needless to say, it's challenging to analyze exactly what you need, what you want, and then decide which device to go with.  Carrier out of the picture, we're going to take a look at four of the latest BlackBerry devices (read: the ones that I happen to have on my desk at the moment) in an attempt to help you decide which one to choose.  Like writing out a pro/con list, it's my hope that seeing these might help you make a good decision on what BlackBerry is right for you.



BlackBerry Bold 9000
Debates are raging within the BlackBerry community as to whether the Bold or Tour should take the title of RIM's flagship device.  The Bold's large size, combined with a large, high resolution screen, 3G, and spacious keyboard make it perfect for the business user.  The high price, both on and off-contract, tends to turn away consumers (unless you can find it through an authorized reseller, like LetsTalk).

The Good: Most roomy, comfortable keyboard of the four; large, high resolution screen.

The Bad: Bulky; battery life less than desirable.

The Verdict: Business users/prosumers.



BlackBerry Tour 9630
As the newest CDMA BlackBerry, the Tour takes the Bold's keyboard, and implements it into a Curve-like design.  High resolution screen, relatively comfortable keyboard, 3.2 megapixel camera, and 3G make this device a fantastic addition to the high-end BlackBerry field.  Again, another device geared primarily towards the business crowd, but with the lower contract price, consumers may find a few things to like about it as well.

The Good: Combines Bold keyboard with Curve form factor.

The Bad: Battery life isn't phenomenal.

The Verdict: Business users/prosumers.



BlackBerry Curve 8520
The ultimate starter BlackBerry.  Intended primarily for first-time BlackBerry owners.  The 8520 offers RIM's new trackpad, but falls short on the display.  Battery life is absolutely fantastic thanks to the lack of 3G, and Wi-Fi is included.  Build quality is somewhat cheap in comparison to the Bold, Storm, and Tour, however it makes for a more durable device.

The Good: Fantastic battery life; first real BlackBerry targeted as an entry-level device; offers RIM's new trackpad.

The Bad: Lower resolution screen; no flash on the camera; build quality feels cheap to some.

The Verdict: Great entry-level device, for first-time BlackBerry owners.



BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230
When the 8220/8230 series launched, RIM made it known that the device was targeted toward women, first-time BlackBerry owners, and anyone else that wanted a fully functional BlackBerry that they could easily store in a pocket or a purse.

The Good: Form factor conducive to storing in pockets and other small spaces; doesn't skimp on typical BlackBerry functionality.

The Bad: Small size means SureType keyboard and smaller screen; somewhat poor battery life.

The Verdict: First-time BlackBerry owners, women, and other consumers that want a fully functional smartphone in a flip form factor.


Questions?  Comments?  Love/hate your BlackBerry?  Leave them here, or tweet me (@PhoneDog_Aaron)!

Those looking for a new phone, take note: the Verizon BlackBerry BOGO offer is back in action.  Thanks to the program, new customers can purchase a BlackBerry device, and receive one (of equal or lesser value) free after mail-in rebates.  It's unfortunate that rebates have to be involved at all, but hey, free (in some capacity) is better than not free, right?  More importantly, is the return of the BOGO program a sign of new devices to come?

Some reports indicate that Verizon has extended the BOGO promotion to include netbooks and mobile broadband devices, but nothing on the website indicates that they're part of the offering.  Perhaps it's an in-store-only deal?

Source: BGR

buzzd — a location-based city guide and social network for mobile devices — wants to know how people use their handsets in the nightlife scene. So, it grilled 1,027 of its users about what's polite (or rude), drunk calling and how often they lose their phones.

According to the poll, the majority of respondents say that, when it comes to mobile etiquette in a night club or bar, there simply is none. Here are a few more bits from the survey:

• 60% admitted to drunk dialing
• 68% said they have drunk texted
• 33% said it's okay to use cellphones with impunity while in a club or bar
• 26% said that texting was okay, but mobile web browsing isn't  
• 17% said that once a conversation with a hook-up has started, it's time to hang up
• 14% said that mobile phones should never be used in a club, unless it's an emergency
• As for losing phones, 30% report that they have at least once after a night on the town (3% have lost their phones at least 5-10 times)

In a strange move, the company also probed the participants about their sex lives during the recession. (Well that study certainly took an interesting turn. I guess it's sort of related to the survey questions, though I'm not sure what this actually has to do with mobile phones. But whatever...) Of those polled, 21% reported increased activity and 14% admitted less, while the majority are having the same amount.

buzzd released these survey results to hype the new version of its BlackBerry app. The service allows users to get up-to-the-moment info on what's happening at any venue, rate events and connect with people in the area.



With Version 1.2, users who have been requesting the ability to their own venues finally get this feature, as well as a "search by category" function, ability to upload profile pics and other enhancements.

To get the app, point your BlackBerry here or search the AppWorld for "buzzd." (Click here to go to the mobile web version.)

Even though most people are thinking about holidays, we’re still thinking about mobile phones - in between holidays - and there has been some interesting stories in the press this week.  Here’s a rundown of ten of our favourites.

1.   New Pictures of the BlackBerry Storm 2!

A series of new pictures featuring the forthcoming Storm 2 have surfaced on the Internet this week, and the phone is looking good.  Resembling its predecessor closely, these snaps also confirm the Storm 2 will have Wi-Fi onboard!

2.   Microsoft and Nokia Announce Partnership.

The two giants plan to bring Microsoft Office Communicator Suite to Nokia’s range of smartphones from next year, along with optimisation of Nokia’s Exchange ActiveSync suite too.  Initially, these upgrades will be added to Eseries phones, but eventually become standard across the smartphone range.

3.  Are Palm Spying on Pre Owners?

Although not yet released in Europe, US Palm Pre’s are allegedly communicating with Palm and letting them know information such as GPS locations and which apps are being used and for how long.  All without asking.  Palm claim the information is being used to measure interest in products and services, but pretty much anyone with a Pre is going to be rightly upset about this.  Palm don’t need to give people a reason not to buy the Pre, so let’s see what they do.

(more…)

Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

Noah gets in-depth with T-Mobile's flagship Android phone, the myTouch 3G with Google. Part two of two.