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Aaron unboxes the Samsung Intercept, the replacement to the Samsung Moment. With an 800 MHz processor, 3-inch touchscreen, and a 3.2-megapixel camera, is it a worthy successor to the Moment?
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
While a lot of focus has been on Apple and the iPhone 4's antenna problems lately, there are some people that are interested in AT&T and their iPhone exclusivity, as well. A lawsuit filed against Apple and AT&T concerning the carrier's exclusivity has just been granted class action status. The size of class action suits can vary from case to case, but this one has to be on the higher end of the spectrum. Now that the suit has class action status, it involves every person who has bought an iPhone from AT&T since the first device was released in 2007.
Mark Rifkin, lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the case, explained that while AT&T customers do have the option to pay an early termination fee to get out of an iPhone contract early, customers are still locked in with AT&T since it is the only carrier to offer an iPhone. Apple has responded by saying that neither they nor AT&T ever said that the iPhones would become unlocked after two years and that "it is sheer speculation - and illogical - that failing to disclose the five-year exclusivity term would produce monopoly power."
There has been a lot of discussion about the original report from 2007 that AT&T's iPhone exclusivity would last five years, but that was never confirmed by either AT&T or Apple. Even if it was true then, things may have changed in the three years since. There were some reports that perhaps Apple and AT&T renegotiated the iPhone exclusivity in order for AT&T to get the iPad and offer cheap data plans for the device (although those plans have changed since its launch). Either way, no one knows exactly how long the iPhone and AT&T will be exclusive partners except the high-up executives at both AT&T and Apple.
Via MacRumors, Wired
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
Cell phone facts & fancies, a piece written by Brenda Rindge of our local newspaper The Post & Courier covers PhoneDog's suggestions for what cell phone and plan could work for you.
From the iPhone to your basic pre-paid device check out her post, Cell phone facts & fancies for a great article about Summer 2010 phone selections.
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
Windows Phone 7 may still be a few months away from seeing a commercial release, but now developers have a stable set of tools to use to build applications for the platform. Early versions of the Windows Phone Developer Tools have been around since Microsoft's MIX event back in March, but now they are stable enough to proudly wear the "beta" badge of honor. Microsoft has said that the tools and emulator represent "the near final version," so you can finally start developing your apps without the fear that they'll be incompatible with the final versions of WP7 hardware and software. There are a few tools and controls still missing, but Microsoft says that they will be added in the next few weeks. More developer devices are set to be shipped out next week, as well, so keep an eye on your mailbox if you're a little more hands-on with your development.
A few months away from release, Windows Phone 7 seems to be coming along swimmingly. Considering the popularity of Windows Mobile in the past, especially with businesses, I'm sure that there are more than a few devs that are planning to bring some apps to the platform. Now that we've learned more about the Windows Phone 7 OS and developer tools, hopefully we'll be hearing more about actualy WinPho 7 hardware. It only makes sense, right?
Via Engadget, Windows Phone Developer Blog
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
Any high-profile smartphone launch is bound to include a few hitches, as the iPhone 4 can attest. The Motorola DROID X, launching in just a few days, is already experiencing some launch pains as inventory of the device will be limited. Droid Life has received several photos of inventory screens, including some from major markets, that show some stores that will only have five DROID Xs for sale at launch. Some stores will be receiving upwards of 60 units, though, so hopefully you live in a major city if you want Verizon's new Android handset. Otherwise you should probably plan on arriving at your local Verizon store early in the morning.
The low launch numbers are pretty surprising for a high-profile device like the DROID X, and hopefully Verizon is going to do something for those customers that get turned away because the carrier runs out of phones. Sure, when a big device like the DROID X launches, hearing of strained supplies is not a surprise. Only five handsets per store is a little ridiculous, though. Hopefully Motorola and Verizon will be able to ship more devices quickly after the launch, otherwise they may have to face some upset customers.
Via Droid Life
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
Consumer Reports, one of the leading mainstream comparison groups, recently put the iPhone 4 under the microscope to see how the device stands up against its competitors. Their findings? While the iPhone 4 is one of the best handsets available, they can't recommend the device due to its well-documented antenna flaws. Apple has stated in the past that the reception problem is a software issue that will be remedied with an upcoming iOS update. Consumer Reports isn't buying it, though, stating that they believe that a design flaw is to blame for the poor signal. They suggest that users apply duct tape to solve their reception woes. Besides the antenna problem, Consumer Reports loved the iPhone 4:
The iPhone scored high, in part because it sports the sharpest display and best video camera we've seen on any phone, and even outshines its high-scoring predecessors with improved battery life and such new features as a front-facing camera for video chats and a built-in gyroscope that turns the phone into a super-responsive game controller. But Apple needs to come up with a permanent—and free—fix for the antenna problem before we can recommend the iPhone 4.
Consumer Reports concludes by saying that for an iPhone that won't rely on tape to solve its signal problems, they recommend you check out an iPhone 3GS, a statement which can't make Apple happy. Regardless of the widespread reports of reception issues, the iPhone 4 continues to sell like hotcakes. Perhaps people are just exploring new ways to hold their phones so that they can continue to experience the high-resolution display and new design?
Via TechCrunch, Consumer Reports
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
If you use your BlackBerry to organise your business, life or both, then the thought of losing your phone or worse, it being stolen is probably a daily fear. Although you could be using one of the back-up apps available for the BlackBerry range, RIM have never operated a comprehensive security and peace of mind package yet.
Today however, RIM have announced BlackBerry Protect, a new service which should go some way to putting this to rights. Taking the form of a mobile and desktop download, BlackBerry Protect will contain the following features:
You’ll be able to register five different phones on a single account and all the remote management features will work over 3G and Wi-Fi, plus any commands sent when the phone has no power will activate when it’s reactivated.
One of the best things is that the entire BlackBerry Protect service will be free to use and will support the Bold 9000, 9700 and 9650, the Curve 8900 and 8520 and both Storm models.
Currently, BlackBerry Protect is a closed beta, so only a select few get to try it out, but it’s scheduled to switch to open beta and finally full, public release before the end of 2010. What’s not clear at this point is which territories the service will be available in, and when. Seeing as BlackBerry Appworld took a while to leave US shores, it’s likely that Protect will be the same.
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
In lieu of an actual launch date, what could be better than another BlackBerry 6 walkthrough video? Available on the company's YouTube channel, the teaser video shows off universal search, the revised media interface, RIM's "Social Feeds" application (including the ability to post to multiple websites simultaneously), and the much-hyped WebKit browser. Having used BlackBerry devices for years, the revision looks like a nice change to a tired operating system. I've always enjoyed RIM's strengths in the messaging department, and it looks as if they're taking it to a new level with "Social Feeds" and the ability to quickly post to various networking mediums.
Given the on-screen typing shown off in the BlackBerry 6 teaser videos, it's evident that it'll be on at least one touchscreen device in the near future (my guess is the 9800). Check out the video, and let me know in the comments - excited, or not?
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Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
AT&T's 3G MicroCell, which uses a customer's home Internet connection to provide reception where there previously was none, has been a savior for those of us in poor coverage areas. AT&T recently made the device available to all of its customers, but some are upset that they must pay for the MicroCell and use their own broadband to fix AT&T's coverage. This is no longer a concern for some people, however, as AT&T has been handing out free MicroCell to some of its "most valuable customers." The carrier has said that they are testing different ways of distributing the MicroCell in various markets, so don't be too discouraged if you've been paying hundreds of dollars a month for several years now and weren't granted admission to the elite group of AT&T MVCs.
Some believe that AT&T should be handing out free 3G MicroCells to everyone with poor coverage. While that's unlikely to happen, perhaps they'll continue to give out devices to their "most valuable customers." If you don't feel like waiting around for a free MicroCell, or don't think you're a very valuable customer, you could always head down to your local AT&T store and pay $150 for a unit right now. Have any of you received a free 3G MicroCell?
Via Engadget
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
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