Motorola Abdandons RAZR3

Ever since Motorola launched the very first RAZR it has been a worldwide success. In fact, that may be putting it lightly… the RAZR put up dynasty-like numbers, being the top selling phone for 3 straight years! That streak came to an end this past quarter as the iPhone passed the RAZR to take command of the #1 spot.

It probably not a coincidence then that Motorola cancelled the next iteration of the phone - RAZR3 - which was codenamed Ruby. Combined with Motorola’s recent announcement that they will be relying only on their mobile triforce of (1) Android, (2) Windows Mobile, and (3) Proprietary OS for Low End Handsets the news makes a little more sense… the RAZR line was based on Symbian.

Here is a picture of what the phone would-have/might-have looked like:

The folks at EngadgetMobile say the move, “isn’t all that surprising,” but I beg to differ. Sure… the RAZR may have fallen a spot in the standings but it’s still the #2 Most Purchased Phone in the World! Why give up on a franchise that has won the championship in 3 straight seasons simply because it lost in the Final Game in the 4th year? Put in those terms it’s crazy, right?

The RAZR is a popular handset for a reason and a 3rd iteration of the device can remain incredibly popular. While the sources of this information make it sound like the RAZR line will be completely discontinued, I’m not willing to believe that just yet. Make the same popular RAZR hardware that people know and love work with brand new software via Android or, if you must, Windows Mobile.

People will buy it. It will be popular. While it may not ever regain the status it enjoyed in its hay days, Motorola already has a proven veteran that they can count on to put points up on the board. I can’t see Motorola turning the RAZR away so quickly.

Make all the jokes you want about all MOTO has is the RAZR and they can’t innovate… it still sells and outsells all but one other phone on the market. Its true that Motorola needs to innovate beyond the RAZR, but they also need to cultivate the success of the RAZR and continue to reap the benefits of an already successful handset that can continue to pay huge dividends.

[Via Unwired View]

Japan Puts the “No” in Nokia

Nokia has had a difficult time growing its brand in the Japanese market and so it has decided to cease sales of Nokia phones in the country except for the “Vertu” luxury brand.

The Japanese Market has been a quagmire for foreign manufacturers: the market share is dominated by local mobile phone makers who provide very targeted capabilities that make it tough for others to compete. However, these makers arent’ very competitive in the world market. But with Japan being the 4th largest mobile market we’re guessing they do just fine.

In light of the economy and predicting further economic difficulties, Nokia is probably just trimming the fat, pulling back in an area they can’t compete and redirecting that energy to more productive goals and challenges. Its probably a good move.

This is one of the first big public moves of retreat in the mobile industry in the face of economic turbulence. Nokia isn’t going anywhere… but what will the Motorolas, Palms and Sprint Nextels of the world do to prepare? We’ll probably be hearing a lot of news like this in the coming months.

[Via Reuters]

Dell’s New Smartphone: $199 Of UnOriginality

We’ve known for awhile that Dell was releasing a new Smartphone called the Pharos Traveller and we’re happy to announce that it is now available for sale. You can get your mitts on it for $199.95 although with other amazing options at the same price point, its hard to justify a run-of-the-mill Dell offering that stays inside the box.

According to the product page, here is what the Traveller delivers:

It has a large QWERTY keyboard for your typing convenience, a 2.8” touch-screen QVGA(320×240) display for a good colorful display, a 2 MP digital camera for recording pictures and video, supports the 2.5G communications capability based on quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE cellular modems and offers a real fast Web browsing, email and other Internet services. In addition, it offers real-time traffic, gas prices, movie times and weather information.

Powered by the Windows® Mobile 6 operating system, the Traveler 619 comes pre-loaded with Microsoft® Outlook® Mobile (Calendar, Contacts, Tasks and Inbox), Word Mobile, Excel® Mobile, PowerPoint® Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, Picture, Notes, ActiveSync, Calculator, Game, Voice Recorder, MSN® Messenger, Media® Player 10. This is not all; the device gives up to 4 hours of talk time and up to 200 hours of standby time and comes with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IrDA to offer you every type of connectivity you wished that a smart phone had.”

Seeing as how it just launched and takes 1-2 weeks to deliver, we’re not surprised there are no “customer reviews” on the site but we’d be happy to field your own reviews in this thread so that you can likely tell other Mobile Roarers why you wish with something else.

Then again, maybe Dell will surprise us and we’ll happily admit we’re wrong if we are… but with Windows Mobile, No 3G and lackluster specs galore, that would be a difficult feat to accomplish.

[Via DELL]

The Goyard So Hard Man I’m Hugo’s Boss

The title is a line from Kanye West’s song called “The Glory” and its songs like these that for the last couple decades have blurred the lines between hot brands and hot bands and that is undoubtedly evident in the gadget world as well with rappers like Jay-Z and Lil Wayne commonly talking about their BlackBerry and iPhone.

The demand created by style icons are the reason style phones like the LG Prada are so popular and lucrative. Samsung is the latest to enter into this market with a Hugo Boss branded version of the F480 Tocco.

Here are some of the phone’s key features and specs:

The phone should begin selling in Hugo Boss retail stores throughout Europe in December. Maybe the title should be changed to, “The Samsung So Fun Man It’s Hugo’s Boss”

[Via GSM Arena]

BYON: Build Your Own Nokia

Customizing your cell phone for your own personal style is a big draw for mobile fans these days but its usually limited to a colorful case, snazzy wallpaper and cool ringtones. Nokia is changing that up with a Do-It-Yourself Phone Design Studio that lets you design your own phone online.

Here are a few of the things you can do:

There are then two more levels of customization as you’re asked to choose what additional software you want on your phone including games music and wallpaper:

And then you can choose from extra covers to accessorize your new ‘Nova:

Then you can check out and actually purchase your brand new customized phone - but for now it has to be a Nokia 7310 Supernova for use in the United Kingdom. We would love to see this concept catch fire and become available in other markets and for more phones as its a great idea and could probably bring in some extra dollars as gadget margins shrink.

The other cool thing about Nokia’s little design studio is that you can see what other designs people have created and actually use them yourself! There were a TON of really cool designs that looked professionally created… much better than our 2 minute Mobile Roar slop.

Move your mouse over a certain color and see popular phone designs from people just like you that include those colors! Very cool:

Props to Nokia for innovating. And if you pick up one of these customized Supernovas, send us a picture and we’ll post it in a followup article!

[Via Nokia Build]

Samsung Omnia Now Available On Verizon!

For Verizon Wireless Customers who also happen to be Samsung Omnia fans, two worlds have collided because the Samsung Omnia is Now Available For Purchase on Verizon Wireless.

And if you’re on the fence, trying to decide between oh… I don’t know…. the Omnia, Touch Pro and Storm - which I’m sure many of you are doing - here are some Samsung Omnia reviews which might make the task at hand a little bit easier. Press Release from VZW at the bottom!

Gizmodo Reviews the Omnia
If you’re looking for a Windows Mobile device on Verizon, you don’t have a lot of (good) options. Luckily, the Omnia is one of the best choices for WinMo overall, not just on the carrier, though we wouldn’t blame you for wanting the actual keyboard of the Touch Pro. However, that’ll cost you $100 more, since the Verizon Touch Pro is $350 to the Omnia’s $250.

CNET Reviews the Omnia
Though slightly more expensive, Verizon customers looking for a touch-screen smartphone will get a better user experience and faster performance from the Samsung Omnia than the RIM BlackBerry Storm. The Samsung Omnia features a spacious touch screen with customizable Home screen, haptic feedback, and accelerometer. The Windows Mobile smartphone also offers Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and EV-DO Rev. A support, as well as a 5-megapixel camera and robust multimedia features.

CrunchGear Reviews the Omnia
The Omnia boasts just about every feature you’d want from a smartphone and Verizon, surprisingly, left it exactly the way it leaves the Samsung factory. Sure, they added their VZ Navigator app and the VZAppZone but we’re okay with that because they left the Omnia untouched. For a Windows Mobile device with a decent skin Samsung calls the TouchWiz, the Omnia is the clear choice for Verizon Wireless customers.

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and DALLAS — Just in time for the holidays, Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)1 announced the Samsung Omnia™ will be available for order online at www.verizonwireless.com and in business sales channels beginning Nov. 26. The Samsung Omnia’s advanced touch screen, customizable user interface and Windows Mobile 6.1 capabilities are powered by the nation’s most reliable wireless network ensuring that customers can browse the Web and access their e-mails quickly and reliably. It will be available through all sales channels including Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Dec. 8.

The Samsung Omnia is an all-in-one smartphone with state-of-the-art features, including Samsung’s innovative TouchWiz™ user interface which has specially designed widgets to customize and personalize the way customers use the phone. These bright and colorful icons provide a one-touch access point to customers’ favorite and most commonly used applications and features. The Samsung Omnia also features a full on-screen QWERTY keyboard for fast text messaging, mobile IM and e-mail messages. The haptic feedback on the touch screen provides subtle vibrations to confirm selections; and an optical mouse provides easy navigation with the swipe of a finger. The Samsung Omnia supports Opera 9.5 Mobile Browser for a smooth Web browsing experience.

With Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, customers have access to a powerful personal computing experience in a slim, compact device. Microsoft Outlook Mobile keeps customers connected to e-mail, schedules and contacts; and Office Mobile enhances productivity with the ability to manage Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents – all while on-the-go.

The Samsung Omnia is enhanced by a high-quality 5.0 megapixel camera with digital zoom and power LED flash, camcorder, stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology and Wi-Fi technology that helps customers capture special moments and stay connected to friends and family anytime, anywhere.

Key features and capabilities of the Samsung Omnia from Verizon Wireless include:

  • Full HTML Web browser with touch navigation
  • Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
    • Access to multiple e-mail accounts with Microsoft Direct Push for corporate users
    • Over-the-air synchronization of contacts, calendars and task lists with Microsoft Exchange Server
    • Supports Microsoft’s System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 that provides customers with software distribution capabilities and security-enhanced access to company data while they are away from the office
  • Access to VZAppZone – downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers and more
  • Playback of MP3 files
  • VZ Navigator(SM) capability – get visual and audible directions to thousands of destinations, locate businesses and other points of interest, get maps of a location and share directions with others
  • Text, picture and video messaging
  • Mobile IM using AIM®, MSN®, Yahoo!®
  • Bluetooth profiles supported: headset – mono and stereo, hands-free (car kits), object push for vCard, basic imaging and phonebook access profiles
  • 5.0 megapixel camera and camcorder with flash and zoom
    • Face Detection – centers on a face when taking a picture
    • Panorama, split shot and anti-shake camera settings
    • SmileShot – enables the camera to detect when a person is smiling and automatically takes a picture when in the SmileShot mode
  • Wi-Fi technology (802.11 b/g)
  • Support for Divx and Xvid movie files
  • Personal organizer with calculator, calendar, alarm clock, world clock, stop watch and notepad
  • Dimensions: 4.41” (l) x 2.24” (w) x 0.52” (d) with standard battery
  • Weight: approximately 4.34 ounces
  • Display: 3.2” display
  • Usage time: up to 346 minutes with standard battery or
  • Standby time: up to 464 hours with standard battery (subject to environmental and other factors)

Verizon Wireless has priced the Samsung Omnia for $249.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

Goodluck Smart Phone Shopping!

Bruce Lee Is a Nunchuck/Nokia Master

We should probably write a little something about these viral ads created by Nokia. Perhaps something about the phone they aim to promote. But… we don’t really care…we just LOVE - THESE -VIDEOS:

This one is my favorite:

BlackBerry Storm OS “Conspiracy” Update & Tour

Oh BlackBerry Storm, how you tease us and confuse us with your whirlwind of multiple stickers. In a bizarre twist, an “official statement” was released by RIM which debunks the “conspiracy theory” hypothesized by BGR. The issue at hand is the OS version and whether it was downgraded at the last second because of security vulnerabilities which would also explain the shipping delays:

1) The official code shipping with the BlackBerry Storm from Verizon Wireless is “v4.7.0.65 (Platform 4.0.0.82).” This information appears in the Options / About section on the handset. The first number (v4.7.0.65) is the software version that appears on the bar code sticker applied to the outside of the BlackBerry/Verizon Wireless box.

2) A limited batch of bar code stickers was initially printed with an incorrect software version number (the last two digits of the number was incorrectly listed as .82 instead of .65) and the stickers were applied to several thousand boxes. The error was detected early (and prior to launch) and new stickers with the correct software version number were printed and applied to the boxes over top of the incorrect stickers. Again, this only involved a relatively small batch of boxes.

3) There is not and never was a software version 4.7.0.82. A blogger noticed the incorrect sticker (underneath the correct sticker) on a box provided to him by Verizon Wireless and posted a “theory” suggesting (as a potential explanation for the second sticker) that the software may have been “downgraded” at the last minute and the blogger further speculated that this may have been due to a “security vulnerability”. It is very important to note that the blogger clearly and voluntarily stated upfront that it was only a theory. In fact, the blogger even described it as a “conspiracy theory” and wrote the following in his original post: “I want to preface this by saying that the following statements are my opinions and hypotheses, and have not be confirmed nor denied by any of sources of mine or official contacts at either corporation. It should serve as a nice little ‘conspiracy theory,’ though.”

4) The theory was incorrect. A software version 4.7.0.82 has never existed and there was no such security vulnerability. Further, the software was not downgraded as incorrectly theorized. The simple explanation for the presence of two stickers on a relatively small batch of boxes is that a limited number of misprinted stickers were discovered on boxes prior to launch and were covered with new (correct) stickers.”

And if you consider that too boring, here is a nice video tour of the BlackBerry Storm software including the browser, media player, contacts, mail, messages and more. The best part of the video is clearly at :29 seconds in when the subject says “bye” in an accidentally flamboyant fashion. Cmon, its funny.

[Via BGR, JAMPB]

HTC Touch Pro at Verizon, Alltel

We know mobile enthusiasts are picky… and sometimes that gets pricey. So if the BlackBerry Storm or Samsung Omnia aren’t enough to win the gadget investment from Verizon customers, perhaps the HTC Touch Pro will do the job. Big Red is now selling the device online for$349.99 after $70 Mail In Rebate and 2-year contract.

The Omnia is $249.99 and the Storm is $199.99 so we’re wondering how many people will opt for the HTC Touch Pro. It should be noted it IS the only of the 3 devices with a full QWERTY keyboard, something I am admittedly a sucker for and this alone could be worth the investment. Oh and if you want to buy it in-store you’ll have to wait until December 1st.

Here is Verizon’s Press Release on the… well… release of the HTC Touch Pro:

erizon Wireless and HTC Corporation today announced that the HTC Touch Pro™, a compact and stylish phone with an intuitive touch screen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard, is available on the nation’s most reliable wireless network. Customers can purchase the HTC Touch Pro beginning today through business sales channels and online at www.verizonwireless.com. The phone will be available for order in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning Dec. 1.

The HTC Touch Pro combines HTC’s hallmark design and easy-to-use interface with the power of Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional. For maximum flexibility, customers can choose to use either the classic Windows Mobile interface or HTC’s acclaimed TouchFLO™ 3D graphical interface, which makes popular applications easily available at the swipe of a finger. Because the phone runs on Verizon Wireless’ network, customers can browse the Web or access their e-mail, contacts and calendars with Microsoft Outlook® quickly and reliably. The phone also has the ability to open and edit Microsoft Word and Excel® documents and share Microsoft PowerPoint® files with large groups using a separately sold video-out cable connected to a television or projector.

The HTC Touch Pro is a productivity workhorse that allows people to balance their professional and personal lives. A 3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash makes it easy to capture and share high-quality images and video. With the preloaded business card reader application, the camera doubles as a scanner, allowing business card information to be quickly and easily stored on the HTC Touch Pro and synchronized with a contact database. Customers can turn their HTC Touch Pro into a GPS navigator by using Verizon Wireless’ VZ Navigator(SM) service. With VZ Navigator, customers can access audible turn-by-turn directions to more than 14 million local businesses and attractions and even share the locations with others. Verizon Wireless customers can further customize their HTC Touch Pro by selecting from thousands of available Windows Mobile applications, including productivity applications, utilities and games.

Accessing information and entertainment on-the-go is made simple with the Opera Web browser, which enables Web pages to be viewed in the format they were originally designed to be viewed on the HTC Touch Pro’s vivid-2.8 inch VGA display. Panning and zooming across Web pages is simplified by the touch screen interface, allowing for a true desktop-like experience. A microSD™ memory card slot enables storage of up to 16 GB for a wide array of photos, videos, documents and more.

The HTC Touch Pro is available for $349.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 monthly access. Other charges may apply when downloading or using applications. Customers who purchase a Verizon Wireless Nationwide voice plan to use with their HTC Touch Pro can also subscribe to the Email and Web for Smartphone plan for an additional $29.99 per month.

Alltel released the device last week. Interestingly enough, Alltel was purchased by Verizon Wireless and while the official merger hasn’t jumped through all the necessary hoops, Alltel is selling the Touch Pro for $279.99 - a $20 discount.

Do you have Alltel in your area? Perhaps you should get the Touch Pro there, save $20 and allow your service to “switch” to Verizon once the merger goes through. But maybe not, because if it doesn’t go as smooth as it sounds, you’ll have nobody to blame but yourself.

Verizon Samsung Omnia Comes Tomorrow

If the BlackBerry Storm isn’t up your alley, perhaps its the lack of WiFi getting you down. No need to sulk, Verizon’s version of the Samsung Omnia should be released tomorrow on the web and start landing in retail stores on December 8th or so.

At $249.99 after a $70 Mail-In Rebate, the Samsung Omnia packs a 5MP Camera, Windows Mobile 6.1 and here is a picture of the box proving that WiFi is in the cards for this device - many were worried VZW would cripple the device and remove WiFi to make more money on data plans:

The Omnia has been floating around Asian markets like Singapore for quite some time now. Lets hope that Samsung was spending the last 6 months perfected the hardware and software so that it could land on Verizon nothing short of flawless.

Another solid choice for Verizon customers!

[Via BGR]

BlackBerry Storm Shipments Delayed

Were you one of the troopers who waited in the wee-hours of the morning to stand in line for the BlackBerry Storm? Were you one of the few who walked away with one in-hand? If not, you might have to wait a little longer than initially promised for your Storm to arrive.

Last minute issues with the BlackBerry Storm OS caused RIM and VZW to revert to an older version, but they’re not shipping out new Storms until they can fix the issue. This little issue is the cause of the following Storm shipment schedule:

Man do I feel bad for the people who took a day to deliberate.

The Boy Genius did some nice detective work which gets to the bottom of the Operating System delays. It all started when he peeled back the sticker on the box that lists the OS version. Its amazing what a little attention to detail can reveal…

Sprint’s CDMA Head Departs

Struggling carrier Sprint Nextel saw the abrupt departure of their CDMA head, John Garcia, over the weekend. The CDMA division accounts for 70% of Sprint-Nextel’s customer base and the reasons for him leaving are still uncertain. Keith Cowan, president of strategy and corporate development, will takeover in the interim until a permanent replacement is found.

It will be interesting if further details surface since Sprint’s business model is being pulled in several different directions. Being pulled by gravity, into obvlivion, is the iDen unit which was acquired in Sprint’s purchase of Nextel. The forward moving XOHM and WiMax 4G technology represent what will likely be the future of Sprint. And earlier this year, Sprint sold off 3,080 towers to Tower Co only to lease them back in a move to free up cash.

While there has been some fluctuation in the Sprint Nextel ranks, the departure of Garcia seems somewhat unprovoked. All sources indicate Garcia is a reputable industry figure with expertise in internet-enabled mobile devices - the direction that the carriers will need to go to succeed in the next 3 years.

Could there be more behind Garcia’s departure? Perhaps Garcia wanted to go in a direction that Hesse and company were unwilling to go? Or maybe the company simply couldn’t move fast enough for Garcia’s liking? These are all shots in the dark… but we have to wonder why.

Don’t we?

[Via MocoNews, WSJ]

Verizon Employees Snoop Through Obama Email, Get Fired

Sarah Palin isn’t the only political figure in the spotlight who has had their Email accessed illegally. This past week, Verizon Wireless issued a press release acknowledging the breech and apologizing to President-Elect Barack Obama:

Verizon Wireless President and CEO Lowell McAdam made the following statement today:

“This week we learned that a number of Verizon Wireless employees have, without authorization, accessed and viewed President-Elect Barack Obama’s personal cell phone account. The account has been inactive for several months. The device on the account was a simple voice flip-phone, not a BlackBerry or other smartphone designed for e-mail or other data services.

“All employees who have accessed the account – whether authorized or not – have been put on immediate leave, with pay. As the circumstances of each individual employee’s access to the account are determined, the company will take appropriate actions. Employees with legitimate business needs for access will be returned to their positions, while employees who have accessed the account improperly and without legitimate business justification will face appropriate disciplinary action.

“We apologize to President-Elect Obama and will work to keep the trust our customers place in us every day.”

Prior to this, a huge (and light-hearted) fuss was made about whether or not Barack Obama’s personal BlackBerry would be allowed under his Presidential tenure. After this issue with Verizon Wireless, you can bet your bottom dollar that any chance of Obama carrying around his own personal device through a major carrier has just been squashed.

The employees were initially put on paid leave but CNN now reports the employees were fired. If you didn’t see that coming, you’re legally blind. Unfortunately we won’t get any juicy information from the breech as the account was unused for months and the only information the snoopers could have gotten is who messages came from  - actual messages could not have been read/heard.

I can’t say I feel bad for the folks who were fired. What are the chances they were Republicans looking for some shrivel of evidence Obama had done something wrong and could leak it to mainstream media? Or maybe make a buck from it?

Can you hear me now? Fired.

Samsung Omnia… In The Eye Of The Storm

In the world of mobile technology, November 21st 2008 belonged to the BlackBerry Storm and Verizon Wireless. But while the Storm caused a ruckus in long lines across the nation, even forcing police to restore order in a NYC Verizon store, there may have been a calm in the day that nobody noticed. The Samsung Omnia at Verizon Wireless could carefully be brewing up an excited launch of its own.

Employee training on the Verizon Omnia started (supposedly) on November 15th but it seems that the devices may already be in stores, albeit not on display. Signs are pointing to a release right around the corner on this sweet device with a 5MP camera, 240 x 400 pixels touchscreen display, accelerometer, GPS, Wi-Fi and more.

Here are a few pics of Verizon’s Samsung Omnia captured in-store:

Was the BlackBerry Storm not your cup of tea? Perhaps the Samsung Omnia will float your boat. But no matter which one you prefer, or even if you prefer neither, you have to admit that Verizon is making a strong push for Santa’s holiday dollar with 2 awesome phones right before the thick of the holiday shopping begins.

At least we hope…. Come on Omnia!

BlackBerry Storm Launch Roundup

Today was the day the BlackBerry Storm finally appeared in Verizon retail stores and it brought in a Cyclone of customers eager to whirl away with the first ever BlackBerry touchscreen. Unfortunately, they were in short supply.

In the Baltimore/DC area there was one uber-geek I know (ahem) who showed up uber early and was 8th in line out of about 35 people. There were only 10 in stock and others walked away with only a promise that their shiny new Storm would be shipped overnight delivery. Keep those fingers crossed.

But in New York, NY homey don’t play that, reports Reuters:

More than 200 people had waited at a Verizon store in mid-town Manhattan early in the morning, many of whom were turned away after it ran out of the new phones less than an hour after opening at 8 a.m. The angry customers caused a ruckus and police came to restore order.

Really? BlackBerry Storm fans caused a ruckus? I didn’t realize calculator watches had tazers equipped these days. All in good fun… All in good fun… if my New Every 2 was up I would have been one of the geeks in line for sure.

I wonder how many stores actually had enough Storm in stock to serve all the willing and able customers? How about you… did you get the Storm trouble free or were you one of the houligans at the back of the line plotting the riot?

Palm Treo Pro on Sprint, Verizon?

As of now its only a rumor but it looks like the Palm Treo Pro will be headed to Sprint on or around January 11th of 2009. Its basically the best Palm phone ever created although we’re not sure QUITE how much that says for it… Palm fans would say that means an awful lot.

And if Sprint gets the Palm Treo Pro, we can only speculate that a CDMA Verizon version would follow closely behind. The more carriers this gets on the better… for Palm, Palm fans and the carriers that acquire it.

[Via BGR]

BlackBerry Storm Reviews & Round Up

The BlackBerry Storm will officially be launched on Verizon Wireless tomorrow and tons of the top tech blogs are reporting their detailed reviews of the phone. We wanted to round up the top BlackBerry Storm reviews (seen below) and bring you a couple more details pertinent to the release.

Two extra tidbits that are worth noting:

And now onto the BlackBerry Storm reviews. Here are a bunch of great ones in no special order:

CNET Reviews the BlackBerryStorm
They give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars and say, “The RIM BlackBerry Storm may blow in a frenzy for Verizon Wireless subscribers wanting a touch screen similar to the Apple iPhone. However, die-hard texters, e-mailers, and corporate users may be better served with the BlackBerry Bold or other QWERTY device.”

Gizmodo Reviews the BlackBerry Storm
The title - Not Quite A Perfect Storm - concluding the innovative touchscreen isn’t enough to overcome some of its flaws and become the elite phone on the market. But it WILL have plenty of fans: “The Storm is a strong effort from RIM, but it’s not quite the killer phone that they or Verizon need it to be. It’s good—RIM clearly put a lot of thought into the design. But I think it fall short of what they were aiming for, and ultimately what all the hype is driving people to expect. Some of this is fixable: The damn thing needs to crash less often. But SurePress is not the end-all, be-all of touchscreen technologies—it’s not really an evolutionary step forward, even. The experience may be fairly refined, but more polish is still needed. Had this Storm been left to brew a bit longer, it would’ve been much more powerful.”

CrunchGear Reviews the BlackBerry Storm
Not an iPhone killer, but nevertheless a decent phone that should get plenty of normal phone enthusiasts excited about BlackBerry: “I won’t be ditching my Bold or iPhone 3G for the Storm, but if you’ve been waiting for it then I strongly encourage you to go to your local Verizon Wireless store and spend some time with it. I don’t think hardcore BlackBerry users will like it if you’re used to shortcuts and hot keys and hammering out text, but if you’re a casual user looking for a touch-screen device (which is the market RIM seems to be going after here) then go for it.”

Boy Genius Report Reviews the BlackBerry Storm
In perhaps the most glowing review, BGR says VZW customers would be crazy not to get the storm but questions whether people will/should switch carriers for the device: “Here’s our honest to god non-biased conclusion… this is the best phone to ever touch Verizon Wireless so far. If you’re a Verizon Wireless subscriber and a dumb phone won’t cut it, you’d be pretty air-headed to not pick this bad boy up above any other smartphone in Verizon’s lineup. It’s the “realest” touch screen Verizon has ever got. Not a piece of crap Voyager or Dare, but a real usable smartphone, depending on your needs.”

Walt Mossberg Reviews The BlackBerry Storm
WM from AllThingsD gave the Storm a spin and takes a very even, level headed approach to the review and conclusion: “Overall, the Storm is a very capable handheld computer that will appeal to BlackBerry users who have been pining for a touch-controlled device with a larger screen. And it offers yet another good option for anyone who is looking to buy one of the new, more powerful, pocket computers.”

Mobility Today 30-Minute Video Review
Wow… talk about covering it all… here it the most detailed and thorough video review you will find of the BlackBerry Storm on the web:

Vodafone Storm UK How To Videos
The CrackBerry Blog posted a series of videos about the Vodafone version of the BlackBerry Storm. They were first posted in the Vodafone Help Center but we’ve got to give CrackBerry the credit for digging them up.

Now take all this great knew knowledge instilled upon you and head over to the BlackBerry Storm Forum on MobileRoar to get all the conversation out of your system!

Motorola VE240 on Cricket & Metro PCS

It seems only the big carriers get love. What are gadget lovers in small rural areas to do when they want their phone fix from their own service provider? Weeping in the corner is usually one of the only options. But come out for a moment to check out the Motorola VE240.

Unfortunately, THIS is why, the smaller carriers don’t get enough love. The press release’s headline boasts of VALUE - a decidedly unsexy term that most customers on Cricket & Metro probably enjoy. Yet only 12 people in the nation would actually read the press release because they’re not reading gadget news online… they’re dilly dallying into their local store hoping to get a cheap phone that might even connect to the interwebs.

Some folks are forced to use smaller carriers… after all, sometimes you’re stuck with who ya got based on where ya live, right? If you’re one of those 12 people feel free to chime in on the comments, located after the full and depressing press release:

Motorola Introduces Value-Packed MOTO™ VE240 with Mobile Music and Hands-Free Convenience

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Nov. 14, 2008 – Motorola, Inc. today announced MOTO™ VE240 will be arriving soon to Cricket Communications, Inc., (a wholly owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc.), and to Metro PCS Communications, Inc. The new MOTO VE240 is a sleek candy-bar style device that brings cutting-edge features, such as MP3 and Stereo Bluetooth® Wireless Technology¹, at an attractive price point customers will love.

“MOTO VE240 will help consumers further enjoy the benefits offered by two of the nation’s top providers of unlimited wireless communications with its many features and great looks,” said Kathleen Finato, vice president of sales, Motorola. “We are delighted to offer the features most important to consumers with impressive quality at an unbelievable value.”

The full music experience is enjoyed with MOTO VE240’s MP3 player with a dedicated music key, 4GB of optional removable memory, high audio speakerphone and USB 2.0 full-speed technology for fast file transfers from a PC² (optional cable required). Through Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, MOTO VE240 makes it easy for users to enjoy high-fidelity sound when paired with compatible Bluetooth-enabled headsets.

Availability
The VE240 will be available from Cricket Communications in the Tulsa market tomorrow, and all Cricket Communications and MetroPCS markets in the coming weeks. Consumers can obtain additional information at any local Cricket retail location and online at www.mycricket.com or any MetroPCS authorized dealer locations and company-owned retail locations and online at www.metropcs.com.

About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com.

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Maria Parra
Motorola, Inc.
Office: 954-723-5272
E-mail: maria.parra@motorola.com

Certain mobile phone features may not be available throughout the entire network or their functionality may be limited. All features, functionality and other product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

¹This device supports Bluetooth OPP, FTP, BIP, BPP, HFP, and A2DP profiles. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. To determine the profiles supported by other Motorola devices, visit www.motorola.com/bluetooth. For other devices, contact their respective manufacturer. Certain Bluetooth features including those listed may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices, or by certain wireless carriers. Contact your wireless carrier about feature availability and functionality.

² Network-dependent feature, not available in all areas. Airtime, data charges and/or additional charges may apply. Wireless e-mail functionality requires an e-mail account with wireless server capabilities.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. 2008. Windows Mobile, Microsoft, SharePoint, Windows, Outlook, and MSN are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved.

[Via Motorola PR]

iPhone 3G Landing At Wal-Mart December 28th

It seems like a sin to say the words iPhone and Wal-Mart in the same sentence. The first is the definition of mobile beauty and grace while the latter is a warehouse of everything cheap and affordable. The two worlds will collide on December 28th when the iPhone 3G goes on sale at Wal-Mart.

This comes courtesy of BGR tipsters who claim to have an internal Wal-Mart memo that the website leaked a few hours ago. Here is that memo in its aledged entirety:

We are pleased to announce that Wal-Mart has reached agreement with Apple to offer iPhone 3G in Wal-Mart and Wal-Mart-managed Sam’s Club* Connection Centers nationwide beginning December 28, 2008.  AT&T will support Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club with the activation process for iPhone 3G, and we need all National Retail employees engaged to ensure a successful launch.

*NOTE: This product launch DOES NOT apply to SC Kiosks within Sam’s Club managed by Radio Shack.

Wal-Mart has communicated the following launch plans and execution timeline to their employees:

  • iPhone 3G will be available in-store only beginning 12/28/08
  • New and existing customers in good standing can purchase iPhone 3G with a 2 year contract
  • iPhone 3G transactions only will be processed through POS.com, not the kiosk

Execution Timeline:

  • 12/2 – 12/5:  AT&T / Wal-Mart MEM Classroom Training for Store Leads
  • 12/3 – 12/19:  AT&T In-Store Training
  • 12/26 – 12/27:  AT&T In-Store Refresher Training
  • 12/28: Nationwide Launch
  • 12/28 – 12/30:  Wal-Mart and AT&T War Room Support

You can’t blame Wal-Mart for pushing into the mobile space. BestBuy has done the same thing in a more logical and vigorous move but Wal-Mart seems to be following suit. Wal-Mart isn’t just the biggest dog on the block but also has the most girth in the galaxy. Sales at Wal-Mart are known to make or break companies… if you get blacklisted from Wal-Mart you might just be filing for bankruptcy.

That being said, this move has the potential to change up the mobile industry quite a bit. Perhaps not on the surface or immediately… but the more top level handsets Wal-Mart gets, and at discounts, the more shaky the traditional pipeline of products will get.

We heard these same rumors about the T-Mobile G1 and while the move came late… it did come. I would expect that this rumor is true as well. I wish we could dive into Wal-Mart’s revenue figures on these specific devices.

[Via BGR]

125 Different LG Phones Coming Next Year

This holiday season it will be hard for mobile phone shoppers to choose which gadget to call their own. Next year it will be even harder, courtesy of LG, who hopes to launch 125 different models next year. Not included in those 125 are the same phone with different colors or variations… we’re talking 125 bonafied phone launches… wow.

LG’s Vice President of Global Marketing doesn’t think 125 is that much, “We have to work with different operators in different countries, we don’t think it’s a big number.”

The United Kingdom for example, is set to get about 24 or 25 of those phones. How many of those 125 will be coming to the United States? Lets hope 100 or 101 - Ha! But in all honesty, complaining about having too many awesome phones to choose from would be a good problem to have. A burden that we would graciously accept.

So bring it on LG. Lauch 3 phones a week. Send us the press releases. Put review units in the mail. Try your darndest but we will never get sick of new phone launches… neverrrrrr… muahahhahahaha!

[Via Pocket Lint]

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