BlackBerry Storm “Mad Genius” Commercial

Have the BlackBerry Storm commercials that abruptly end with a completely black screen after providing absolutely no information leave you infuriated? Us too. We’ve been waiting to hear how they’ll creatively position such a… physical asset… and in their new “Mad Genius” Commercial they do it quite well:

Not only do they mention it is the first ever touchscreen BlackBerry but they also illustrate the difference between touching and clicking which seems rather difficult. They don’t get into the details, just enough to bait you.

They then ask “What Kind Of Mad Genius is Behind This?” and the camera pops up to reveal the Verizon Guy waving with the “In-Network” standing behind them. It’s cute and delivers the right message. Although, you have to wonder how much of the genius should be attributed to Verizon and not Research In Motion?

Either way, we’re happy to see a new BlackBerry Storm Commercial.

AT&T QuickFire Now On Sale

In case the weekend clouded up your memory for mobile, we wanted to remind you that the AT&T QuickFire is now officially on sale at AT&T for $99.99 after a rebate and 2-year agreement. Last week, we saw the QuickFire popping up in retail stores a bit early, but now its no longer a game of hide-and-seek… you can find it anywhere and/or online.

The QuickFire features a slideout QWERTY and 3G connectivity in a package remniscient to the T-Mobile Sidekick. It does have an MP3 Player but the 1.3 Megapixel camera isn’t likely to snap frameable photos anytime soon.

Seems like an affordable and versatile little number that might fit the bill for decent amount of people.

AT&T QuickFire On Sale Early!

The AT&T Quickfire - supposedly an answer to the Sidekick - was initially slated to go on-sale November 10th or 11th. Well, a customer in small, unnamed down somewhere in the United States was able to walk right into an AT&T Corporate Store and purchase it right off the shelves!

They may not be on-sale everywhere yet, but at least one store has them in-stock and available. Here is the Quickfire in that lucky customer’s hands:

The device costs $149.99 after a 2-year contract and $50 rebate. In addition to the slideout QWERTY, its also got a pretty touchscreen, 1.3MP camera, email, TV and navigation capabilities. How many of the people with this phone will be too young to have any use for that navigation? Who knows… this thing seems like the one-size-fits-all type.

[Via FreeHTC]

AT&T Buys Centennial For $944 Million

The consolidation of the mobile industry continues. Only a few weeks after the Verizon Wireless’ purchase of Alltel was okayed - giving them the most mobile subscribers in the United States - AT&T purchased Centennial Communications for $944 Million Dollars.

Like Alltel for Verizon, this acquisition will give AT&T reach in rural areas in the South East and Midwest… not to mention a foot in the door in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The purchase needs to jump through the governmental approval hoops, but we don’t think that will pose any problems, and then AT&T will win 1.1 Million Subscribers.

The growth shouldn’t re-bump Verizon back to the #2 position in terms of total subscribers, but we doubt that the acquisitions won’t stop here. We’re just wondering when/if T-Mobile will buy Sprint… and hope none of these companies make as dumb a purchase as Sprint did with Nextel.

[Via AT&T]

Sprint Loses $326 Million, 1.3 Million Customers

While much of the technology industry reported decent days on the stock market, Sprint had a day - and quarter - it would like to forget. The company reported $326 million in 3rd Quarter losses and over 1.3 Million Customers abandoned the brand. Sprint’s stock followed, tumbling down 12+ percent at times during the day.

Isn’t this the company who said it sold more units of the Samsung Instinct than it has of any other phone? What exactly is going on here? The fact that they repeatedly sit on the bottom of customer service quality surveys, it seems like the performance falls in line. But this once proud company seems to be getting something very, very wrong… what is it?

Now they’ve sold off their towers, launched the XOHM 4G brand and allowed 3rd party investors to fund what has become the New Clearwire company. But where is this company headed? Its clear that Nextel is nothing but a ball-and-chain but it appears the company will continue to push on with the brand. What can Sprint do to reclaim some type of positive standing in the wireless industry?

Letting T-Mobile purchase them would be a good start.

[Via Google Finance]

BlackBerry Storm Video Review by T3

We couldn’t be more jealous of the folks at T3.com. True, we were able to play with the BlackBerry Storm a few weeks ago but THEY had the priveledge of making a video review for their audience. While we can’t bring you our own video review quite yet… all in good time… all in good time.

For now we’d like to present you with T3’s review of the device - and this is the Vodafone version - which you may have been able to figure out based on the pretty lil’ lady’s accent. Does that come with the phone? Enough already, lets see it in action:

We also get a quick look at the “App Center” which shows Facebook, Youtube, picture sharing websites and others. She admits that its not Android or anything… but it does open the boundaries and borders of what is possible on your phone a bit.

One last thing… the young lady reviewing the device says - on more than one occasion, “this is a really nice piece of kit.” I reckon we’ve never heard that before but can we get some confirmation on whether this is a local dialect type thing or personal style thing or what? Because if we can pull it off we might have to steal that. It sounds pretty good… sounds like a nice piece of kit.

That was all wrong. I was just dying to say it.

[Via T3]

AT&T Fuze (Touch Pro) On Nov 11th

Come November 11th, the AT&T Fuze - essentially the Touch Pro renamed - will be released to all distribution channels. Clear your schedule on Tuesday and get ready to get it on with one of the sexiest phones of the year. And bring $299.99 with you.

BGR received got wind of an official email floating around that pinpointed this launch date:

After all rebates and discounts are said and done its $199 which makes us wonder how many people would prefer the Fuze over the iPhone? Show of hands? Its an interesting question and we’d love to know the who/what/when/where/why of people deciding between the two devices. And if you’re not sure yet, you’ve only got a few days left!

Visit the via link for a disgusting amount of information regarding the Fuze and Fuze accessories.

[Via BGR]

Behold the Samsung T919 From T-Mobile

Although not absolute proof of an imminent launch, the arrival of the Samsung T919 “Behold” on T-Mobile’s website is a good indicator of what is to come. Despite the somewhat offputting “trendsetter” title this phone does seem to have some pretty powerful features, especially given what we have seen on T-Mobile before (read: budget and 3G-less).

The Behold comes with a 5MP autofocus camera, touchscreen, assisted GPS, Bluetooth and…wait for it…3G! That’s right, those of you lucky enough to be in T-Mobile’s (currently) spotty 3G network coverage can enjoy the new, boosted speeds. The phone also features a landscape QWERTY touchscreen keyboard, which we all know makes a pretty big difference for messaging.

If you like the idea of this over the G1, watch this spot for further information on pricing and release dates.

Via BoyGeniusReport.

Sprint Unexpectedly Snags MOTO ZN5?

While browsing through Motorola accessories on Sprint’s site, a BGR reader unexpectedly found the Motorola ZN5 sitting there staring him in the face. At SPRINT. We know there is a GSM Version of the Motozine ZN5 on the way to the market but this is the first we’ve heard of a CDMA variant.

Not only that, but having the phone actually appear on the website could mean Sprint is painfully close to releasing the phone to the public. Its packing 5 megapixels of camera phone power and all-in-all, this would be a nice pickup for Sprint.

We’ll keep you posted (and you do the same!)

[Via BGR]

AT&T Fuze (Touch Pro) Popping Up In-Store

Ask any in-the-know mobile fan what the hottest upcoming WinMo device is and you’re likely to hear “HTC Touch Pro”. But with HTC’s slick rendition on WinMo UI, they might forget its Windows Mobile altogether. Still… its arguably the hottest QWERTY phone of the holiday season, challenged by only the T-Mobile G1.

It won’t be long before AT&T faithful are answering this same question with the word “Fuze” - and the reason is obvious. The AT&T Fuze IS the Touch Pro minus the front facing camera and with a few slight design differences. As many carriers like to do, they rebranded the phone for their own purposes. For me, personally, I would have stuck with “Touch Pro” which everybody already knows about… but to each their own.

The point of this whole story is the AT&T Fuze is now popping up in some AT&T corporate stores which means that its inevitable launch is right around the corner. There is no shortage of hot smartphones this holiday season and the Fuze will definitely corner off its fair share.

How about you… gonna get the Fuze? Would you rather hear it called the Touch Pro?

BlackBerry Storm Priced, Dated & Rumored

We’re getting word in on the price and date of the BlackBerry Storm, something for which many, many Verizon fans have been patiently waiting. The winds are picking up and its only a matter of time before what’s brewing becomes what’s bangin.

Let’s start with the date: November 14th. At least thats the date that a Verizon insider tipped to Gizmodo. That date makes a lot of sense as it would coincide with changes to Verizon’s required data plan, something that all Storm owners would want… and now need.

The retail pricing after rebates and 2-year agreement discounts are still unknown but a BlackBerry Storm contest lists the prizes as (1) A BlackBerry Storm, (2) A $50 gift certificate for a total value of (3) $549 bucks. That means the BlackBerry Storm would be valued at $499 and after all those discounts you’ll be looking at a pretty competitive price.

Europeans shouldn’t be jealous at all as it seems a slimmed down GSM version of the BlackBerry Storm has just passed through the FCC and appears aimed at causing equal mischief abroad.

We’ve been following the BlackBerry Storm for a long time now. In fact, we were following it WAY before it was called the Storm… remember that Thunder name? And within just the past few weeks we had the joy of playing with the BlackBerry Storm ourselves.

Now we’re asking the Verizon and BlackBerry Storm fans to join us in our BlackBerry Storm Forum to get things rolling as one of the hottest handsets of the past few years is on the brink of doing a lot of damage to its mobile competitors!

XOHM, WiMax & Clearwire Greenlighted by FCC

If you think 3G speeds are fast then you’re in for a treat once 4G networks such as XOHM & WiMax hit the ground running via Clearwire. Sprint and other investors (including Google) joined together to fund the new Clearwire because infrastructure costs were simply too heavy for Sprint to shoulder themselves. But now… the realization of 4G is, well…. here.

Not only has Sprint’s XOHM launched in its first city (Baltimore) but the FCC has approved by a 5-0 margin the combining of assets of XOHM and Clearwire’s WiMax to create a New Clearwire company that includes all the 3rd party investors we mentioned. But I suppose those 3rd party investors become 1st party investors now, don’t they?

Combine this incredible news with the fact that the FCC also approved use of White Spaces for Mobile Devices and there is no doubt that the Mobile Industry is about to go through a renaissance period over the next 5 years, so long as its not held down by economic struggles.

Sprint claimed in their XOHM Baltimore launch that we would NOT be seeing handsets that operated on XOHM in the immediate future but could Clearwire’s collective thoughts be different? It’ll probably be a year or two before we know what direction all this is really headed… but we’re excited to follow the news and hope you’re excited to follow it with us!

[Via AllThingsD, Phandroid]

BlackBerry Bold is FREE at Wal-Mart, LetsTalk

Once upon a time there was a phone called the Blackberry Bold that was supposed to be the best phone ever invented. But delay after delay pushed the launch date back and people started to unthink it was as cool as another device that was coming out just a couple weeks later - the BlackBerry Storm. So what to do?

Give it away for free at Wal-Mart. You can now walk into a freaking Wal-Mart and get the BlackBerry Bold for free with the signup of a new 2-year contract. The deal was somehow orchestrated through LetsTalk.com - and we kind of fail to understand how all this is being conducted.

So now you can walk into Wally’s and get the T-Mobile G1 and/or the BlackBerry Bold for a price that is CHEAPER than at the actual Wireless Carriers offer it themselves. Ummm… are you kidding me? Is this another incidence of Wal-Mart thrusting their weight into a niche by the “swallow our volume or die” method?

We could be seeing a lot more wireless stuff from Wal-Mart folks, a la BestBuy, especially in these hard economic times. What do you make of all this?

[Via Wal-Mart/LetsTalk]

BlackBerry Storm 360 View & Tour!

The fabled BlackBerry Storm has made a grand entrance on the Verizon Wireless website, sporting a spinning 360 degree model of the phone, complete tour with information and pictures and a whole lot of goodies. Make sure you check it out!

[Via VerizonWireless.com/Storm]

Sprint Touch Pro Now Available

If - like the rest of the civilized world - you’ve been waiting for the HTC Touch Pro then you’ll be jealous of Sprint customers. Unless of course you are a Sprint customer in which case you’ll be able to purchase the device for $299.99 with 2-year contract and after a $100 Mail In Rebate.

Pretty ballin, right? On the other hand if you don’t already have Sprint or don’t intend to switch to Sprint, be reminded that the Touch Pro should be coming to a Verizon store near you before 2008 is said and done.

[Via Sprint]

Verizon Puts Pay-As-You-Go Data Plans Into Extinction

There appears to be some big changes coming to Verizon’s Data Plans… and by changes we mean deletions. The Pay-As-You-Go system will no longer fly for PDA/Smartphone level devices and monthly data plans will be mandatory.

The word/rumor comes from a HowardForums thread where the all-too-familiar internal computer screenshot serves as proof. We can’t say we’re surprised by this development and in actuality, it seems fair. But if you’re going to force people to pay a monthly data fee regardless of how much they use… the industry needs to do something about these “data caps” that are popping up left and right.

Unlike cake, you shouldn’t be able to have your data and eat it too.

[Via HowardForums]

The Best 249 Page Book You Will Ever Read

I can’t remember the last time I read a book that was nearly 250 pages. It’s sad… and true… but all that might change when I potentially print out the 249 page bathroom reader otherwise known as the BlackBerry Storm Users Guide.

You can download the 1.18MB PDF file HERE

If - like us - you were waiting for the Thunder which became the Storm and you’re just waiting for lightning to strike already as it lands on the VZW network… you’ll likely appreciate this document. Why not waste your time reading the manual now and learning everything? Because once the thing is in your hands we KNOW you’re not going to spend any QT with it.

[Via CrackBerry]

MOTOZINE ZN5 Land At T-Mobile

The 5 Megapixels of Kodak Glory in the Motorola ZN5 have unpacked their bags and made their home at T-Mobile. While not yet available on the TMO website, it should pop up online and in stores sometime in the next day or two.

In addition to the spiffy camera with Xenon Flash the ZN5 also comes equipped with WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth, memory card slot, TV out, and KODAK Imaging Technology that should give it an edge over cameras with similar specs.

T-Mobile was first to market with Motorola’s new phone and the company seems to be racking up a lot of “firsts” these days. Its good to see magenta getting some of the limelight usually reserved for Verizon and AT&T.

Here is the official Press Release from MOTO:

Shoot, Share and Show Off: MOTOZINE™ ZN5 Debuts in North America at T-Mobile USA

Mobile imaging experience redefined with Motorola and Kodak technology

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. — Nov. 3, 2008 –Motorola (NYSE: MOT), a leader in wireless communications will bring the mobile imaging powerhouse, MOTOZINE™ ZN5, to North America today, available exclusively for T-Mobile USA customers. Created in collaboration with Kodak (NYSE: EK), the world’s foremost imaging innovator, MOTOZINE ZN5 combines a high-quality phone and camera experience to help users click together and share the memories they capture.

MOTOZINE ZN5 delivers a picture-perfect camera and mobile experience. ZN5 is the first mobile phone to combine Motorola’s ModeShift technology and KODAK Imaging Technology. Together, they redefine the quality, convenience and connectivity of mobile imaging devices. The dedicated, simple share key allows one-touch sharing with friends and family while on the go through access to: picture messaging, T-Mobile MyAlbum, Kodak Gallery and compatible Bluetooth enabled printers1, 2.

“The arrival of the MOTOZINE ZN5 at T-Mobile provides a new opportunity for customers to instantly capture and share each special moment in their lives,” said Dennis Burke, vice president, Sales, Motorola Mobile Devices. “The MOTOZINE ZN5 simplifies mobile imaging while empowering users with the tools they traditionally rely on in a digital camera.”

“The MOTOZINE ZN5 is a terrific phone for T-Mobile customers who value instant connections with loved ones,” said Travis Warren, Director of Device Marketing at T-Mobile. “Who wants to lug around several tech devices during the holidays when
one - the ZN5 - will suffice, making it easier than ever to snap and share photos with family and friends.”

Built to Shoot
ZN5 puts image capture first with a high-resolution screen and one of the fastest click-to-click times available. To launch the camera, simply slide open the lens cover to transform the phone into an ultra-fast, natural-feeling 5 megapixel imaging device. Unlike most “camera phones” on the market, the ZN5 has the feel of a digital camera with the shutter button, flash and viewer in the standard placement consumers expect. Plus, with auto focus for sharp, vivid pictures, a Xenon flash, an included 1 GB memory card (with 4GB of optional external memory support) to store favorite images, optimized settings for low-light environments and red-eye reduction, there is no longer a need to carry two devices. ZN5 is both a phone and a digital camera.

Built-in KODAK Imaging Technology ensures that every picture taken with ZN5 looks its best. When KODAK Imaging Technology is combined with KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, images become brighter and more vivid on the spot. Multiple capture modes, like multi-shot and panorama, which automatically stitches together continuous shots taken on the horizon line into a single, extended image, makes taking photos fun.

Built to Share
With one click, photos can be viewed right from the home screen; no menus, no searching. This multimedia device provides a fun, quick and easy way to share favorite photos with friends and family. Using high speed Wi-Fi or GSM networks, full resolution pictures can be wirelessly uploaded in one simple click to the KODAK Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com)¹. Consumers also have additional options for sharing, whether sending over MMS¹, transferring to a computer via USB, showing slideshows on a TV (TV output/AV cable included in box), or using Bluetooth wireless technology2. T-Mobile customers who purchase a ZN5 will receive 50 free prints from Kodak Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com).

Built to Talk
In phone mode, ZN5 features Motorola’s patented CrystalTalk™ technology to help callers hear and be heard, even in noisy environments. With dual compatibility for GSM and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), users can connect in more areas around the world3 and enjoy high-speed wireless connections to surf the Web1 via a full HTML browser. To complete the communications experience, ZN5 also supports SMS, MMS, IM and personal e-mail1.

Availability
MOTOZINE ZN5 is available today at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.t-mobile.com. For more information on the MOTOZINE ZN5, please visit www.store.motorola.com or www.t-mobile.com.

Verizon & Alltel Merger Moving Closer

The Department Of Justice all but confirmed Verizon’s purchase of Alltel, passing anti-trust approval provided VZW sell off certain assets to ensure healthy competition in specific markets. Unfortunately for Verizon, the selloffs would account for one of the biggest compliance concessions in the history of the Wireless industry.

Verizon would be forced to sell off 100 assets across 22 states resulting in a loss of 5 million subscribers. After all is said and done, Verizon would have 78 Million subscribers, still leap frogging AT&T for most subscribers in the United States. It looks like Verizon is making moves to fully comply with the DOJ so they can make that jump.

On November 4th, only a few days from now, the FCC will meet on the issue and they may add a few additional markets to the “must drop” list. Other than that, it looks like Verizontel is locked and loaded. We’ll keep you posted.

[Via MobileBurn]

Samsung Delve Dives Into Alltel

The Samsung Delve is now available for pre-order on Alltel’s Website and come November 6th will be found in retail stores. The Delve’s touch screen, virtual QWERTY, tactile feedback, TouchWiz Interface and widgetized home screen come with a $199 pricetag after a $100 mail in rebate.

Alltel sweetens the deal with a few extras:

Of course you’ll also need the “Smartphone Pack” for these features… a requirement to purchase the Delve. It also comes with a stylus, but no word on if the phone has any handy tricks that incorporate the stylus such as handwriting recognition. If it was included, we think they would have mentioned it, but a stylus is still pretty helpful for the big fingered folks out there!

It also has nuTsie which is a service that allows you to stream your iTunes playlist - or your friends’ iTunes playlist - directly to your phone. Hey Alltel customers… can we have some feedback on how well that service works?

The Samsung Delve is a pretty sweet and stylish looking phone, too! Lets see if this picture is big enough to break your screen:

Not bad… not bad at all, Alltel/Samsung. For Alltel folks who don’t want to wait for the Verizon deal to go through, praying they may be able to get a BlackBerry Storm on their beloved little network, perhaps the Samsung Delve is for you.

Here is the full Press Release:

Touch and Go: Samsung Delve™ lands at Alltel Wireless

Vibrant, stylish touch screen phone easy to use and navigate

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. & DALLAS — Alltel Wireless , America ’s largest network, and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) announced today that the Samsung Delve™ will be available for pre-sale at alltel.com on October 30. With an intuitive interface and attractive touchscreen design, the Samsung Delve is a stylish way to stand out in the crowd and stay connected to those who matter most.

The touchscreen phone, highlighted by a virtual QWERTY keyboard and tactile feedback, has been designed with Samsung’s unique TouchWiz™ interface. The TouchWiz interface incorporates specially designed widgets that allow the user to customize and personalize their phone. Users can ‘drag and drop’ widgets onto the main screen, which offers users instant access to their favorite functions. The widgets allow users to customize the main display screen to match the icons of the applications and features they use the most.

“There is a paradigm shift in the way users are interacting with their wireless devices, and Alltel is at the forefront of creating new ways for users to harness the power of their mobile phones,” said Brian Ullem, vice president of device strategy for Alltel Wireless. “The Samsung Delve boasts a new, powerful user interface using ‘widgets’ customers can drag and drop to configure their phone. It offers a new level of control and convenience.”

Music lovers will appreciate the Samsung Delve’s MP3 player, and the 2.0 megapixel camera with video capabilities will add value for fans of multimedia content.

Several applications are preloaded on the phone for the ultimate entertainment experience, including Alltel Pic Transfer, Alltel Mobile Advisor, City Id, Collapse Chaos and Wallpaper Universe. The Samsung Delve also features Bluetooth® capabilities, an expandable MicroSD memory slot and an industry standard 3.5 millimeter headset jack. The Samsung Delve contains additional accessories such as an additional battery, a stylus, soft protective case, travel charger, stereo headset and PC data cable.

“The customizable features of the Samsung Delve make it easy for people to use and navigate,” said Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Mobile. “People are busier than ever, and the easy-to-use Samsung Delve will keep the features people need within a single touch.”

Beginning today, Alltel customers can be among the first to order the Samsung Delve at alltel.com for $199.99 after $100 mail in rebate. The Samsung Delve will also be available in retail stores and at shopalltel.com on November 6. Additionally, customers purchasing the phone will receive free access to Email, Alltel TV on Demand Connect, Alltel Navigation, MyCast Weather and Alltel Radio Connect. A Smart Choice Pack is required in order to purchase the Samsung Delve at this price.

Additionally, Alltel’s newest music application, nuTsie, is available for free access on the Samsung Delve. nuTsie provides the ultimate music experience by allowing users to stream their own iTunes™ playlists, their friends’ iTunes playlists and nearly limitless new music from nuTsie’s catalog – with no side-loading or uploading hassles. For more information on this innovative application, please visit alltel.com/nutsie.

Alltel’s Smart Choice Packs give customers national voice minutes with an unlimited data plan and all of their favorite features, all for one low monthly price. The Smart Choice Pack 500 provides unlimited data, five “My Circle” numbers, 500 anytime minutes and free nights and weekends for $69.99 per month; the Smart Choice Pack 500 Plus includes 10 “My Circle” numbers for $89.99 per month. Additional packages include the Smart Choice Pack 1200, with 1,200 anytime minutes, unlimited data, 10 “My Circle” numbers and free nights and weekends starting at 7PM for $109.99 per month; the Smart Choice Pack 2000 upgrades that package to include 20 “My Circle” numbers and 2,000 anytime minutes for $139.99 per month. The ultimate choice is the Smart Choice Pack 5500, delivering 20 “My Circle” numbers, and 5,500 anytime minutes, in addition to all of the benefits offered by the other packages.

[Via Alltel PR]

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