Archive for May, 2008
New 3G Touch Screen Slider – Samsung Glide
May 10th, 2008 by admin in samsung
Samsung’s new Glyde for Verizon features an external touch screen with slide-out QWERTY keyboard, along with a high-res camera and GPS.
If the last year of cell phone development seems to have taught manufacturers anything, it’s this: Touchscreens are great for simple navigation, but when it comes to typing and texting, nothing beats a full QWERTY keyboard. So goes the logic, we think, behind Samsung’s latest slider for Verizon, the SCH-U940 Glyde. Like the LG Voyager and upcoming Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1, the Glyde combines a large exterior touch screen with a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard in an attempt to offer the best of both worlds.
Besides the 2.8-inch color touch screen adorning its face, the iPhone-shaped Glyde has a 2.0-megapixel camera, GPS sensor for use with VZ Navigator, Bluetooth support, and room for up to 8GB of external memory. There’s also 3G Internet access and a full HTML browser to make use of it.
Verizon will offer the Glyde for $249.99 after a $50 rebate for a two-year contract, starting Friday. Verizon’s Nationwide Premium plan, which provides the Glyde unlimited data and messaging, runs for $79.99 a month.
Verizon catches Motorola Q9c Smartphone (Windows Mobile)
May 10th, 2008 by admin in Motorola
The GSM providers got first dibs on the upgraded Motorola Q9h, but the CDMA guys are starting to catch up. Verizon Wireless has announced that they are now the proud providers of the Motorola Q9c, a Windows Mobile smartphone that made its debut at CTIA earlier this year in Las Vegas.
By and large, the Motorola Q9c has much the same specs as the Q9h, save for a few cosmetic differences. You get a full QWERTY keyboard for ease of text entry, Windows Mobile 6, a 2.4-inch display, 1.3 megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, 128MB on-board memory, memory card expansion slot, and speakerphone. It’s also preloaded with Opera Mobile for all your mobile web surfing needs.
Verizon is selling the Motorola Q9c for $199.99, assuming that you’ll lock down to a new two-year customer agreement and deal with the $100 mail-in rebate.
Philips Xenium X800 is an once more iPhone Killer
May 10th, 2008 by admin in Philips
It seems that Philips is jumping into the touchscreen cell phone game as well with the apparent arrival of the Xenium X800. Much like the HTC Touch, LG Prada, Samsung Instinct, and Apple iPhone, the Philips X800 appears to lack any sort of physical keyboard, opting instead to offer its wares through a large touchscreen display.
According to this picture attained by CCID of China, the Philips Xenium X800 seems to come with a user interface that is not unlike the Samsung Croix. Others say that it bears some resemblance to the XMB found on the PSP and PS3. Details are pretty scarce at this point, but looks like this thing doesn’t have a camera either.
Based on my previous experience with other Philips products, I don’t think Cupertino has anything to be worried about in the Xenium X800. Current rumor has this touchscreen phone launching in Hong Kong under the Vodafone banner.
Start Your Engines for Motorola V9 Ferrari Edition
May 10th, 2008 by admin in Motorola
“Ferrari. More than you can afford pal.” That classic line from the Fast and the Furious is the first thing that came to mind when I saw this Ferrari Edition of the Motorola V9. The slim clamshell isn’t all that different than its non-stallion counterparts with the notable exception of a carbon fiber-like front cover, a stitched leather case, and access to some exclusive Ferrari goodies.
For example, the Motorola V9 Ferrari Edition is supposed to come pre-loaded with an assortment of Ferrari videos, Ferrari wallpapers, and Ferrari ringtones. The ringtones must be pretty great, don’t you think? Every time you hear an engine starting, you’ve received a text message. Every time you hear tires squeal, it’s really just your phone ringing.
In terms of the rest of the specs, you can expect a pair of QVGA color display, touch sensitive external music controls, integrated 2.0 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 3.6Mbps HSDPA, 45MB internal memory, microSD expansion, and video telephony.
Nokia E71 Smartphone Gearing Up for AT&T Launch
May 10th, 2008 by admin in nokia
Some people, myself included, just can’t live without a QWERTY keyboard on our cell phones. The Nokia E-series has always been recognized for its top-notch business devices and the upcoming Nokia E71 should be no exception. We’ve already caught a couple glimmers of this Symbian smartphone, but an extra tidbit has just come down the chute that might be of interest to you. Turns out that the Nokia E71 could launch with AT&T.
This makes a lot of sense, considering AT&T’s dedication to both the consumer and corporate markets. The iPhone and other similar devices can take care of the multimedia side of things, whereas a device like the Nokia E71 can take care of business. It helps that it’s got plenty to style to back up that productivity too. We’ll tack this one up as speculation for now, but I think AT&T would be a good fit for the E71.
Let’s hope that the AT&T version of this smartphone takes full advantage of a 3G connection. Look for it in your choice of black or white.
Sprint Shows Off iPhone Clone
May 10th, 2008 by admin in LG, samsung
Sprint has confirmed that it’s using a series of online videos titled “Watch the Instinct defeat the iPhone” to show side-by-side comparisons of the Samsung Instinct—available to Sprint users next month—and Apple’s iPhone.
The videos compare which of the two phones have a faster Internet connection and which wireless carrier (AT&T or Sprint) offers more precise GPS navigation. They also highlight the iPhone’s shortcomings, such as its inability to access live television, shoot video and download music without a Wi-Fi network.
The series stared appearing on video sharing Web sites earlier this week. Like the iPhone, the Instinct is shown having voice-activated features like visual voicemail that enables users to select messages by tapping the screen. The price has not been disclosed, but the Instinct is expected to cost less than $200 with discounts. The phone would have to be purchased with Sprint’s “Everything” plan, which starts at $69.99 a month.
Other touch screen phones that will hit the market this spring include LG Electronics’ Vu, to be carried exclusively by AT&T. It will come with XM digital radio, video sharing capabilities and an extendable TV antenna.
LG and NTT DOCOMO Developing New PRADA-Branded Handset
May 10th, 2008 by admin in LG
NTT DOCOMO, INC. and its regional companies announced today that they will begin marketing “PRADA Phone by LG”, a full touch screen mobile phone for the Japanese market, from June.
The handset, already available in Europe and other countries/regions, has been redeveloped specifically for DOCOMO. Reflecting an attention to detail, uncompromising quality and technology nurtured in the global market, the sophistication and elegance of the new PRADA Phone by LG represents a logical evolution of the previous phone.
The PRADA concept is faithfully represented in a special leather case, accessories and custom-tailored screen graphics that accompany the handset.
Handset features include an intuitive, full-size touch screen with vibration touch to improve usability. This function activates whenever users touch screen icons to make a call, use e-mail, take and view photos or listen to music. The 2 megapixel camera is equipped with a German-made Schneider-Kreuznach lens and auto-focus capability.
HIGH-SPEED 7.2Mbps data transmission makes it easy to enjoy i-mode(TM)and to download Chaku-Uta Full(R) and other large files, while full 3-inch browser compatibility enhances the mobile Internet experience.
PRADA Phone by LG will be available at all DOCOMO sales channels.
RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8120 PDA Phone
May 9th, 2008 by admin in BlackBerry, t-mobile
T-Mobile isn’t the first U.S. carrier to offer the Wi-Fi-equipped BlackBerry Pearl 8120 (AT&T Wireless launched its 8120earlier this year), but T-Mobile’s version has a decidedly consumer spin. Thanks toT-Mobile’s innovative HotSpot@Home technology, this Pearl also lets you make VoIP calls over Wi-Fi.
The voice-over-Wi-Fi feature improves reception in locations where cell signals are weak, and in my tests the technology (called Unlicensed Mobile Access, or UMA) worked very well; the only visible indication that the phone was not using T-Mobile’s cellular network for calls was the Wi-Fi network’s SSID on the screen. Clearly, if you’re within hotspot range, Wi-Fi speeds up Web browsing and data-intensive tasks, too. However, using Wi-Fi for voice calls requires T-Mobile’s $10-a-month HotSpot@Home Talk Forever Mobile service, an add-on that is not available for the carrier’s least-expensive plans.
I found the T-Mobile 8120 ($200 with a two-year contract) less handsome than the AT&T version, in part because of its mousy-grey case; the icons in the BlackBerry menu looked cartoonish, as well. The cluttered interface is mostly a result of all the software T-Mobile loads on the device (AT&T’s applications folder on its Pearl makes things cleaner). Instead of this interface, MyFaves subscribers can go for tiny images of their MyFaves buddies (five people that you can spend unlimited time talking to).
On the other hand, I liked the software itself, which included a voice-command application that worked very well for dialing contacts; a couple of games; and RepliGo software for viewing, printing and faxing Microsoft Office documents. And all the features I appreciated in the AT&T 8120–the sharp 2.0-megapixel camera, the excellent multimedia player, and the SureType predictive text-entry system for typing on a 20-key keyboard–remained impressive. (SureType is something you should try out for yourself, however;some of my colleagues don’t like SureTypeas much as I do).
Both voice quality and talk-time battery life were excellent: The T-Mobile 8120 lasted 10 hours in our lab tests, the maximum amount of time we test.
Looks are a big reason for buying a Pearl, so I’d like to see T-Mobile offer a snappier-colored case. The user interface should be neater, as well. But with its quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and Wi-Fi support, T-Mobile’s 8120 remains an intriguing option for people who want a small phone with the ability to pick up data speed when Wi-Fi is handy.
Samsung i200 Smartphone Shipping in June
May 7th, 2008 by admin in samsung
Today Samsung announced the availability of its simple SGH-i200 smartphone, which was first announced at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona earlier this year. This candybar handset features tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900MHz) and WCDMA (2100MHz) for connectivity and a 2.3″ QVGA display. Coming in a black paint job, the i200 smartphone is based on Windows Mobile 6.1, and ships with full Microsoft Office support.
The Samsung i200 also offers users a 2 megapixel camera with video recording, and a microSD card slot for plenty of storage. Bluetooth 2.0 is also on board for headsets and easy file transfers.
The Samsung SGH-i200 is planned to be available throughout Europe in June 2008, with other regions to follow.
Specifications for the Samsung SGH-i200
Operating System: Windows Mobile 6.1
Band: GSM 900/1800/1900MHz, WCDMA 2100MHz
Data: GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA
Size: 116.7mm x 50.8mm x 11.8mm (4.6″ x 2″ x 0.5″)
Weight: 102.2g (3.6oz)
Battery Life: Estimated 15 days standby time, Estimated 4 hours talk time
Main Display: 2.3″ 65k color QVGA TFT, 240×320 pixel resolution
Camera: 2 megapixel
Video: Record/Playback
Messaging: MMS/SMS/IM
Email: POP/IMAP/SMTP
Bluetooth: 2.0 + EDR
Memory: 25MB internal, microSD card slot
Availability: June 2008 (Manufacturer’s estimate)
Other: Speakerphone
BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8330 Smartphone Now Available to Verizon Customers
May 7th, 2008 by admin in BlackBerry
Verizon Wireless, builder and operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, announced today that the highly anticipated BlackBerry® Curve(TM) 8330 smartphone from Research In Motion (RIM) is now available through Verizon Wireless’ online store and through business sales channels. This sophisticated, silver smartphone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City, on May 12.
The BlackBerry Curve is the smallest and lightest full-QWERTY BlackBerry smartphone and is packed with rich multimedia capabilities and services, allowing customers to stay connected to work, family and friends while on-the-go. The BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone also includes the following capabilities and key features:
- BlackBerry® Internet Service — access up to 10 supported POP3 and IMAP personal and corporate e-mail accounts, including most popular ISP e-mail accounts
- BlackBerry® Professional Software for small businesses and BlackBerry® Enterprise Server for enterprise deployments — advanced security and IT administration within IBM® Lotus® Domino®, Microsoft® Exchange and Novell® GroupWise® environments
- VZ Navigator(SM) — get visual and audible directions to a destination, locate businesses and other places in an area, get a map of a location, bookmark favorites spots and recent searches, and even share locations with others. Customers will be able to upgrade to the new VZ Navigator (Version 4) in the coming weeks, which will provide traffic updates, information on traffic incidents and detours around traffic congestion and accidents in 75 cities from coast to coast
- Small and light design that is easy to handle and use; measures 4.2″ x 2.4″ x 0.6″ and weighs only 4 ounces
- Large, vibrant 320 x 240 display, with light sensing technology that automatically adjusts brightness for optimal viewing in outdoor, indoor and dark environments
- Responsive, highly-tactile full-QWERTY keyboard and RIM’s intuitive trackball navigation system
- Premium phone features including: noise cancellation technology to offset background noise; Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD); dedicated “send,” “end” and “mute” keys; and low-distortion speakerphone
- Bluetooth® 2.0, with support for hands-free headsets, stereo headsets (Bluetooth stereo audio profile A2DP/AVRCP), car kits and other Bluetooth accessories
- 2.0 megapixel camera with support for video recording, a self-portrait mirror, enhanced flash and 5x zoom (microSD(TM) memory card required for video recording, sold separately)
- Easy access to the popular Facebook® for BlackBerry® Smartphones application
- 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack and dedicated volume controls
- Advanced media player and enhanced desktop media manager software that makes it easy to move media files between a PC and the BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone via High Speed USB 2.0 — USB Data Cable comes in-box
- microSD/SDHC memory card slot, providing plenty of additional storage (cards up to 8 GB are currently available)
- HTML Web browser delivers a fast, rich browsing experience and supports streaming video from sites like m.youtube.com (3GPP RTSP streaming protocol over EV-DO)
- Removable, rechargeable battery, rated for up to 260 minutes of talk time and up to 11 days of standby time
In-box accessories include: a stereo headset, USB cable, travel charger and premium tote sleeve
The BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphone is available for $169.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the handset is available for customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of purchase. Customers who purchase a Verizon Wireless Nationwide voice plan can also subscribe to the E-Mail and Web for BlackBerry plan for an additional $29.99 per month while those opting for a data-only plan can pay $34.99 per month for unlimited e-mail and access to the Internet via BlackBerry Internet Service.