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Thanks to the internet (and/or tipsters), unboxing shots of T-Mobile's HTC HD2 have surfaced on the internet. Looking good with the T-Mobile branding and stylish box, there's not a great deal of new information here. But hey, pictures are worth a thousand words! On that note, check out the pictures below, and click through to BGR for all of the unboxing shots!
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
If you were undecided about the Plus versions of the Palm Pre or Pixi, here’s some news that might tip the scales for you: Various retailers are practically giving away these phones, in an effort to bolster sluggish sales.
First, Verizon ditched the mail-in rebates and is offering a BOGO promotion. (Buy one Pre Plus or Pixi Plus, at $150 or $80, respectively) and get another of equal or lesser value for free.
Budget-conscious WebOS fans can do even better with third-party stores: Certain Wirefly affiliates (like PreCentral’s) and Amazon are charging only $39.99 for the Pre Plus and the rock-bottom price of zero for the Pixi Plus. (Well, okay — Amazon’s technically selling it for a penny.)
That should help a little in offsetting that pricey 3G Mobile Hotspot feature, no? At $40 (for 5 GB, with 5 cents per MB overage), users could use all the help they can get. So is anyone buying?
Via: PreCentral
UPDATE: And the prices keep on dropping: Walmart's selling the Pre Plus for $30, and giving away the Pixi Plus for nothing. (Wow, wonder how much longer it will be before retailers start paying customers to take these off their hands...)
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
One of my favorite things about air travel? Besides listening to Lionel Richie's You Are and hearing the gentle hum of the engines, it's fact that there's absolutely no cell phones allowed. Needless to say, it's very peaceful - and minus Wi-Fi, it's the only place where I can't be found for a few hours. Should ASiQ's technology take off (no pun intended), we could see a change in the way we use our devices while in the air.
The access point eliminates the need for a picocell on board the aircraft, utilizing the satellite connection instead. The company's SafeCell technology, combined with the Bluetooth Access Point, allows for extremely small file sizes, along with the possibility to transmit up to 3 Mbps. With a price of approximately $10,000 per airplane, ASiQ's Bluetooth Access Point would allow passengers to utilize cellular services (SMS, MMS, voice messaging, and e-mail) while in-flight. Two access points are needed to cover a narrow body aircraft, and the technology supports up to 192 passengers.
How do you feel about this? Let me rephrase - frequent flyers, how do you feel about this? One more step towards full phone use on a plane, or a nice step towards communication while traveling?
Via PhoneScoop, PRWeb
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Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
April Fool’s Day is a month away, and yet I feel like my leg is being pulled. Apple and Microsoft are pals now?
In a speech last week at the University of Washington, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made the following statement: "Apple's done a very nice job that allows people to monetize and commercialize their intellectual property." Wow, talk about a new attitude. Ballmer has been known to criticize Apple and even laugh at the iPhone. Now this latest item has some experts wondering if this 180-degree turnaround is somewhat related to the Apple vs. Google war.
There have been rumors that the iPhone will dump Google search (via the mobile Safari browser), and replace it with Bing. Ah, okay. If that pans out, then it would explain Ballmer’s newfound congeniality toward Cupertino and the handset he used to sneer at. The Seattle Times tried to get Ballmer to comment on the situation (or as TUAW put it, asked him if there’s an “enemy of my enemy is my friend” situation brewing). To that, Ballmer acted almost coquettish: He demured, smiled, replied that he couldn’t answer that, and then drove away.
The thought of a Microsoft-Apple relationship makes me wonder if I’m in bizarro land. And the tension between Apple and Google seems to be going beyond “just business” now; like there’s something mysteriously personal fueling Steve Jobs’ strategy. He seems so fired up, he’s willing to partner with almost anyone — even rivals who’ve previously bashed his work — to take on Google. (And on a side note: If Bing lands on the iPhone, does it mean Jobs doesn’t really see Microsoft’s other pet project, Windows Phone 7 series, as a threat?)
Wow, who needs soap operas when we’ve got the mobile tech sector to tune into?
Maybe this drama will spawn “Pirates of Silicon Valley, Part 2.” I’m pretty sure the original TV movie’s star — Noah Wyle, who portrayed a young Jobs — has plenty of space in his schedule for it. William H. Macy would make an awesome Eric Schmidt. As for Ballmer — Craig T. Nelson’s ability to simultaneously turn red at the drop of a hat and play nice as needed would make him a shoe in.
Via: Today’s iPhone, TUAW
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
It's not all that exciting, but the Samsung Stunt is performing tricks at Cricket retail outlets across the United States. Complete with a color screen and a slim size, it's a good entry-level device for Mom or the casual talker. Most importantly, the device packs Bluetooth functionality at a low price ("to our most affordable tier of devices," according to Cricket) - a useful feature, given the restrictions in many states across the US.
The Samsung Stunt can be had for $99.99 (sans contract) at Cricket retail stores, online at mycricket.com, and via telesales at 800-922-9169. Check out the press release below for more information!
Cricket Introduces Samsung Stunt™
~Sleek Bar Phone Provides Mobile Web and Large Display at Affordable Price~
SAN DIEGO AND DALLAS – March 9, 2010 – Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of unlimited wireless services and subsidiary of Leap Wireless International Inc. (NASDAQ: LEAP), and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)[1] the No.1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.[2], today announced the availability of the new Samsung Stunt™ (SCH-R100).
A slim, sleek and stylish bar phone, the Samsung Stunt comes loaded with Mobile Web, Games & Apps, BluetoothTM, long battery life, speakerphone and voice commands. In addition, Crickets MyBackup, which enables subscribers to automatically protect their mobile contacts without the hassle of data cables, is available via a link in the contact list. The Samsung Stunt is a sophisticated evolution from its predecessor, the Samsung SCH-R211, and features a larger and more vibrant 128 x 160 color display and slimmer design. The Samsung Stunt measures 4.22” x 1.73” x .54” and weighs 2.61 oz.
“The Samsung Stunt provides a slender, smart design and introduces BluetoothTM to our most affordable tier of devices,” said Matt Stoiber, vice president and general manager of devices for Cricket. “And with its friendly user interface, it offers a sophisticated experience while remaining easy to use.”
The Samsung Stunt is now available for $99.99 at Cricket retail stores, dealers, mycricket.com and by calling 800-922-9169. For more information, please visit www.mycricket.com or www.samsungwireless.com.
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
Announced in November 2009, the LG eXpo was intended to be the "phone with a projector." As it stands today, it has become the phone that is out of stock. According to industry insiders, "production hurdles" are keeping the device off of retail shelves. LG and AT&T claim that the device is out of stock due to "strong demand," while Ari Stewart, Vice President of wireless products at AuthenTec, claims that the eXpo suffered from "antenna issues." "We shipped thousands of [sensors] to LG...but there has been a delay," Stewart said. When pressed about the issue, LG said "We are working with all our partners to address this issue and expect to have product available soon."
The eXpo is the manufacturer's second smartphone (after the Incite), and in a competitive smartphone environment, the manufacturer is working hard to move into the No. 2 spot by 2012 (as it stands, LG is the third largest phone manufacturer in the world). LG is rumored to be the first to launch a device with Windows Phone 7 Series installed, so should that come to fruition, it could translate into a sales boon for the company.
Via Forbes
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Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
In like a lion, out like a lamb, and full of oddly cryptic teasers for mobile tech launch events. Ahh yes, March!
Two weeks before CTIA and the press invites are starting to fly around the ether. Just now this cryptic teaser arrived courtesy of Samsung Mobile, leaving us all to ponder that eternal question: What's S Life?
Like you, I have no idea. Like you, I'll find out on March 23. And like you, I'm excited that it's "as much a feeling as it is an incredible achievement." Until then, guesses anyone? Post your thoughts on S Life - and just what Samsung might be unpacking in the Vegas desert a few weeks' hence - in the comments.
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
If you recall, Verizon Wireless and Skype inked an agreement earlier in the year, giving Big Red exclusive rights to the VoIP provider for international calls. That being said, there's a number of people that have never used the service, and as such, Verizon and Skype have created a Skype Mobile video. Complete with Verizon logos peppered in at all possible points, the video explains how to use the service to make international calls.
All in all, it's quite the exciting deal, and will be a nice feature for Verizon Wireless subscribers. Check out the video below for more information, and let me know - something you will use, or not?
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Via PhoneArena
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Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
Everyone’s annoyed by the idiotic phone calls of others, whose irrelevance is only exceeded their volume, but German scientists have decided to do something about it. Professor Tanja Schultz of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology has designed a system that does more than read your lips – it reads your whole face.
Electromyography reads the electrical signals sent to facial muscles when you move them, like when you’re talking. By translating this movement into the matching text, users can send silent speech through their phone without ever making a noise. It’ll be replayed in an artificial voice at the other end.
It sounds great, but to say this approach has a few problems is like saying a car made of darts might have problems cornering. For one, you completely lose any intonations or emotion, and it’s extremely unlikely that the sort of shouter who needs this system will be prepared to make that sacrifice for the sake of others. Everyone needs to know exactly HOW annoyed they were, oh my god, by that stupid cop when they were hardly speeding at all! There’s also the fact that the electromyographic rig needs to tape nine electrodes to your face to work – which Professor Schultz admits isn’t ready for mass market use, but says could be improved for future phone use.
How? Because unless they’re planning to have Apple brand an iFaceWeb there’s no way people will make themselves look that stupid. And there’s no way this’ll work without sticking suckers to your face: any technology which could do away with that – advanced visual scanning and lip-reading (a la HAL9000), forcefield reading of distant motion, reading your mind – would never be used for it because it’d be too busy revolutionizing the entire world.
But there is one way we can silence the most annoyingly audible users right now. Instead of sensitive sticky pads, use the old-style electrodes: great big needles you jam into your face. Use them to poke great big holes and top them with huge metal balls, sell them from Hot Topic, and watch as teenagers who turn their skulls into scrap-metal storage locations finally put them to good, quiet, use.
And if someone uses their phone in the cinema? They get one whether they want it or not and everyone else in the theatre gets a turn hammering in the spikes.
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
If you've been contemplating boarding the Verizon train lately (or already have), you might be interested to know what's in store for the future. Back in August of 2009, Verizon began field trials of their LTE (read: 4G) network in two US test markets and just recently posted their results.
Peak Results
"Trials in Boston and Seattle indicate the network is capable of peak download speeds of 40 to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) and peak upload speeds of 20 to 25 Mbps. The speeds are significantly faster than Verizon Wireless and other wireless providers’ current or promised 3G network speeds."
Realistic Results
"Verizon Wireless engineers report LTE average data rates of 5-12 Mbps on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world environments and will offer Verizon Wireless customers mobile browsing speeds comparable to customers’ current, typical online Internet experience."
As you might assume, companies will often "talk up" their high speeds, great products, and great service with what often results in delusions of grandeur. When they announce that tests have exceeded their expectations, however, you tend to take notice. Verizon's Jeffrey Nelson did just that in a phone conversation recently, stating that their network tests were “faster than we’ve ever suggested," and that their "network team is shocked."
Unfortunately, unless you live in Boston or Seattle, you are currently unable to experience these high speeds (and even if you did there's not a phone out there capable of fully utilizing LTE, to my knowledge). However, the good news is that Verizon plans on bringing LTE to your doorstep by the end of the year.
“Our LTE rollout plan positions Verizon Wireless to be a global leader in 4G LTE deployment. We are on track to deliver an outstanding wireless data experience to customers in 25 to 30 markets covering roughly 100 million people by year’s end,” said Tony Melone, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Verizon Wireless.
It looks like Verizon will be gradually ushering in LTE throughout the rest of the year, and I'm hoping for a leaked roadmap and 4G capable phones to come soon! Who's excited about 4G on Big Red? Sound off in the comments!
For the nitty gritty, see the press release below.
Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Network Testing Promises Significantly Faster Speeds Than Current 3G Networks
Available to 100 Million Americans in 25 to 30 U.S. Markets by End of 2010
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless announced today that its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network field trials in the United States have demonstrated wireless data speeds that are significantly faster than today’s 3G network speeds. Trials in Boston and Seattle indicate the network is capable of peak download speeds of 40 to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) and peak upload speeds of 20 to 25 Mbps. The speeds are significantly faster than Verizon Wireless and other wireless providers’ current or promised 3G network speeds.
Verizon Wireless has been testing its forthcoming 4G LTE network in both Boston and Seattle since August, 2009. Successful data calls involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads, and Web browsing, as well as calls with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable voice transmissions over the LTE network. Verizon Wireless engineers report LTE average data rates of 5-12 Mbps on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world environments and will offer Verizon Wireless customers mobile browsing speeds comparable to customers’ current, typical online Internet experience.
“Our LTE rollout plan positions Verizon Wireless to be a global leader in 4G LTE deployment. We are on track to deliver an outstanding wireless data experience to customers in 25 to 30 markets covering roughly 100 million people by year’s end,” said Tony Melone, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Verizon Wireless. “As device makers, manufacturers and others around the world begin to introduce newer and faster products to take advantage of these incredible new speeds, Verizon Wireless will be positioned to offer our customers new and exciting products on the nation’s first 4G LTE network.”
By leveraging its 700 MHz spectrum for LTE deployment in the United States, Verizon Wireless is capable of quickly deploying a high-quality wireless broadband network with excellent coverage and in-building penetration. Verizon Wireless is currently installing LTE equipment at existing cell sites and switching centers around the United States as part of its extensive, ongoing investment in its voice and data network infrastructure.
Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.
Via BGR, Computerworld
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
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