iPhone 3G - Even Faster (Comedy?)

Getting juicy tips and phone rumors is always incredibly exciting… but on the flipside you get “news” announcements like the iPhone 3G is even faster music video:

We have no clue what the heck this is or what it is supposed to mean. Is it iPhone 3Gay Pride? Is it dissing the iPhone? We don’t know but its funny in a pitiful way.

[Thanks bizarre, anonymous tipster and watermarker!]

iPhone 3G Guided Tour

All you iPhone Fanatics eagerly awaiting July 11th like little kids on Christmas Eve, feast your eyes on the iPhone 3G guided tour which should distract you from the fact that you don’t have the device for about 10 minutes and 28 seconds:

Finished watching? Now you probably remember that you don’t yet have the iPhone. Gotta love/hate that itching sensation called yearning.

uReady for the iPhone 3G?

AT&T has just released details on their July 11th launch of the iPhone 3G complete with in-store information, pricing plans and more. What do you know - they seem to have tacked on some additional fees and charges that make the $199 pricetag a bit more irrelevant.

Interesting points to note:

Here is info on the Service Plans available with the iPhone 3G:

And if you really feel like reading the entire press release, we’ve posted it below. Please note that there is a website set up for iPhone 3G FAQ and such here. And the PR text you requested:

AT&T Announces iPhone 3G Pricing and Tips to be iReady

Online Resources Available to Help Customers Prepare for Purchase

Variety of Attractive Plans Combine Voice and Unlimited Data

Dallas, Texas, July 1, 2008

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced iPhone 3G pricing for new and existing AT&T customers, several attractive voice and data plans, and tips on how to be “iReady” when iPhone 3G goes on sale at AT&T retail stores at 8 a.m. local time on Friday, July 11.

“We can’t wait to offer iPhone 3G to our customers, and we want to make sure the buying process is as easy as possible,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T’s wireless unit. “Considering all the great new features of iPhone 3G, we think our pricing and monthly plans present a tremendous value for consumers and businesses alike.”

Pricing and Eligibility

AT&T is making it easy for customers to prepare for their iPhone 3G purchase by posting “Get iReady” tips and frequently asked questions at www.att.com/iphone. The site also will include a link for customers to check their upgrade eligibility and other wireless account information.

iPhone 3G will be available for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. These prices require two-year contracts and are available to the following customers:

  • iPhone customers who purchased before July 11
  • Customers activating a new line with AT&T
  • Current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount

Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement. In the future, AT&T will offer a no-contract-required option for $599 (8GB) or $699 (16GB).

Current customers may also choose to wait until they become eligible for an upgrade discount. Eligibility is generally determined by amount of time remaining on a current contract and payment history.

Current AT&T customers who are upgrading to iPhone 3G will pay an $18 upgrade fee and new AT&T customers will pay the standard $36 activation fee.

Voice, Data and Text Messaging Plans

AT&T brings iPhone 3G customers the best coverage on the globe and the largest mobile-to-mobile calling community with unlimited calling to AT&T’s 71.4 million wireless customers. iPhone 3G customers can choose from four individual AT&T Nation plans, which bundle voice and unlimited data (e-mail and Web browsing).

  • AT&T NationSM Unlimited: Includes unlimited Anytime Minutes for $129.99 a month.
  • AT&T Nation 1350: Includes 1350 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $109.99 a month.
  • AT&T Nation 900: Includes 900 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $89.99 a month.
  • AT&T Nation 450: Includes 450 Anytime Minutes and 5,000 Night & Weekend Minutes for $69.99 a month.

All AT&T Nation and AT&T FamilyTalk® plans for iPhone 3G include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Three-Way Calling and Caller ID.

AT&T will offer FamilyTalk plans, with bundled voice and unlimited data, starting as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone 3G lines. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.

Unlimited text messaging can be added for an additional $20 ($30 for FamilyTalk plans of up to five lines); $15 (1,500 messages), or $5 (200 messages).

iPhone for Business

Business customers interested in iPhone 3G should contact an AT&T business sales representative or review their account information online to determine their eligibility for upgrade pricing. Corporate e-mail and other business applications require the Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone, which is $45 a month and bundled with an eligible voice plan. Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk, the industry’s only shared plan specifically for small businesses. Additional details on iPhone business offerings are available at www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.

iPhone 2.0 Software

All iPhone customers will benefit from the iPhone 2.0 software, which will be pre-loaded on all iPhone 3Gs and available as a free download for current iPhone customers. The new software will include numerous enhancements, such as business-class e-mail access via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync; the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK), which allows a business to easily create applications customized to its needs; and the App Store, which offers a wide-range of applications — from games to business, education to entertainment and productivity to social networking. For example, AT&T has developed YELLOWPAGES.COM Mobile for iPhone, which takes local mobile search to a new level by allowing users to discover businesses and local events based on their popularity among other iPhone users, get directions and access business reviews.

[Via AT&T]

HTC Touch Pro & Diamond on Sprint, Verizon?!

Sprint and Verizon have signed a deal to carry not only the HTC Touch Pro, but the Touch Diamond as well! CDMA-ers have to be elated as these are 2 of the most anticipated devices of the year. Release dates at this point are unknown, and so are all those ever so important juicy details, but one thing we do know is that the Touch Pro has already been approved by the FCC.

Rumor has it this is their eager attempt to try and snag some people away from the ridiculously popular iPhone. As far as we can tell, the iPhone will not be available on a CDMA network (Verizon & Sprint, etc) for quite some time.. if ever, so this is a nice pickup.

Looks like we’re going to keep a look out for an HTC press release on these bad boys, until then..

[Via Phone Mag & Into Mobile]

Omnia vs. iPhone

We’re not going to make any reference the letter after H cellular device murderer here… those talks are tired. But what we WILL do is show some pictures comparing the Samsung Omnia with the iPhone. Afterall, both of these bad boys will be on AT&T and before you drop some hefty coin, you want to make sure you’re buying what you want.

Not bad looking - either of them - eh? See the difference in the upper left hand corner? That’s the Omnia’s 5MP phone compared to the 2MP of the iPhone - one of the nice edges that the Omnia offers.

The Omnia also appears to be slightly thicker but also shorter and less wide. But don’t get the idea that its “stocky” or “frumpy”… they are pretty compareable as you can see below:

[Via IntoMobile]

Sony Ericsson Remi-nds Us Of T610

We’ve got the scoop on a new Sony Ericsson phone whose details are limited but we know the codename is Remi. The Unofficial Sony Ericsson Blog points out that it looks a lot like the T610 which was quite a hit… so could the codename “Remi” because it “reminds us” or is a “remake”?

Its interesting to note that the 2003 version seems to have a lot of rounded elements while the upcoming “Remi” is more boxy in nature - both the buttons and the phone itself. Which design do you like better?

If you want to know a little more about the phone’s features, this phone is apparently based on the W890 which is a Walkman phone, only this is the unbranded and slightly modified version. Its HSDPA and has 3.2 MP camera (fixed focus only). We’ll keep you updated as official details emerge.

[Via Se-nse]

Motorola Blaze: Verizon’s Next Touch Screen

The LG Dare came out less than a week ago but Verizon Wireless already has another all-touch screen device ready to battle the likes of the Dare, Voyager and Glyde… introducing the Motorola Blaze.

BGR describes the phone as, “A Ming crossed with a PEBL crossed with a RAZR 2.” Hmmm.. interesting. We’ve got (rumored) specs and pictures to give you a better idea:

Pictures:

[Via BGR]

Samsung Instinct Software Updates?

The guys at CrunchGear apparently went forum perousing (or more likely got a tip) that the Samsung Instinct will get a software update on June 30th.

There have been a few little bugs with the Samsung Instinct and supposedly, this quickly pushed update will cure those ailments. So if you’re inclined to believe a rumor from a rumor from a forum that nobody has ever heard of… follow these directions on the 30th and see if the Instinct Gods shine on you that day:

[Via CrunchGear]

T-Mobile Announces Motorola ROKR E8

T-Mobile has officially announced a new member of the family, the ROKR E8, meaning Motorola has officially made its first significant foray into North America with what we would term, its new generation.

What makes it the new generation? Well, the new Linux OS for starters, plus a unique profile, cool morphing keypad, excellent music capabilities and design and function that is totally unrelated to the RAZR (sorry, RAZR 2 V8…you’re out).  Personally, given the extent of T-Mobile’s 3G network, we are not at all hurt by the absence of 3G on the E8. We hope this is just the beginning for Motorola (and their comeback?), this device certainly deserves to do well.

It will available July 7th, for $199.99 with a 2-Year Contract.

[via Engadget Mobile]

iPhone Remote Control for iTunes

Apple seems to be proving themselves as perpetual innovators… and successful ones at that. In the readme of an upcoming iTunes update released only to developers, the following lines were found:

Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home — a free download from the App Store.

And you thought nobody would ever read the fineprint… HA!

We see what you’re doing there Apple. Anybody will be able to download an application to their iPhone via the application store, for free, and sync it via Wi-Fi to the iTunes on their computer. WIth that connection established, you’ll be able to use your iPhone as a remote control for your iTunes from anywhere in your house!

That’s pretty sweet if we may say so ourselves. While the initial iPhone 3G announcement didn’t seem too mind blowing, these little details that seem to be trickling out 1 by 1 are pretty intriguing - we admit.

[Via MacRumors]

HTC Touch Pro Gets Fondled

The “business professional” version of HTC’s highly anticipated and self congratulating HTC Diamond recently got played with by MobileBurn, SlashGear and PhoneMag. The Touch Pro and Xperia will go head-to-head for your hard earned bucks in a few months, but why wait to start information gathering?

The folks at MobileBurn liken the Touch Pro as a Diamond clone… with a slideout full QWERTY keyboard added and an inherently thicker body. This QWERTY Keyboard is of course what helps pit it directly against the Xperia X1 from Sony Ericsson. Early reports of the Xperia were that the tactile feedback on the full QWERTY buttons were less than par, giving the Touch Pro an easy advantage should its keyboard be worthy.

According to SlashGear, although the QWERTY buttons on the HTC Touch Pro are smaller than on some of the other HTC devices, they still have a good feel to them and are “usable”. That sounds like an advantage over the Xperia… but not much of one. And some folks, like the boys at IntoMobile, have contested the school of thought that the Xperia keyboard is dysfunctional to begin with.

Its early… but its nice to see the Touch Pro get played with. Here is the video but unfortunately, the secretive folks at HTC removed the battery beforehand, so its a hardware only demo!

Overall this phone looks pretty snazzy. Kudos to HTC… and well done on offering the same phone with a touch screen only and full QWERTY version - the more options the better!

[Via MobileBurn, PhoneMag, SlashGear]

LG Dare Now Available!

The LG Dare is officially “for sale” on the Verizon Wireless website. If you’re the type that needs to go into the store and play around before deciding, you’ll have to wait until next weekend. With that being a holiday weekend, we’d opt for the convenience of ordering online.

Some of the features of this sexy phone are a touchscreen that comes with a stylus for handwriting recognition, a 3.2MP camera with face detection, LED flash and autozoom as well as picture and video editing tools and a nice multimedia suite. It’s looking pretty good.

Here is the “official” information from Verizon:

Dare to be different with Verizon Wireless’ newest phone - Dare™ by LG. This new handset will surpass your expectations with a large 3–inch touch screen that recognizes your handwriting and gives you tactile feedback. Zoom in closer to find a 3.2 megapixel camera/camcorder with advanced features like face detection for outstanding image quality. Of course, the Dare sounds just as good as it looks with a music player and Bluetooth® stereo. With HTML web browsing and a host of other alluring features, it’s up to any mobile challenge.

Design

  • Large 3″ Touch Screen with Tactile Feedback
  • Virtual QWERTY Keyboard

Camera/Video

  • 3.2 Megapixel Camera & Camcorder
  • Camera Resolutions: 2048×1536, 1600×1200, 1280×960, 640×480, 320×240
  • Video Resolution: 640×480, 320×240, 176×144
  • SmartPic Technology for Improved Image Quality
  • Face Detection – automatically detects a face when taking a picture
  • Panorama, Split Shot, & Frame Camera Setting
  • Image Editor – zoom, rotate, crop, add frames, icons, and write over images

Music

  • Music Player for MP3, WMA, unprotected AAC, & unprotected AAC+
  • Preset Sound Effect Equalizer
  • Multitask While Playing Music
  • Create and Manage Playlists
  • microSD™ Memory Port with up to 8GB Support
  • USB Mass Storage

Bluetooth®

  • Send all Contacts & Calendar Events via Bluetooth
  • Print & Send User–Generated Pictures (JPEG) via Bluetooth
  • Supported Profiles: Headset, Hands–free, Dial–Up Networking, Advanced Audio Distribution (stereo), Phonebook Access, Basic Printing, Object Push for vCard and vCalendar, File Transfer, Basic Imaging, Human Imaging Transfer
Services

    Only Available on Nationwide Plans

  • Nationwide Premium Plan Capable
  • V CAST Music
  • V CAST Videos
  • Text/Picture/Video Messaging/Mobile IM/Voice Mail
  • HTML Web Browser with Touch Navigation
  • Media Center – download games, ringtones, and more
  • Mobile Email & VZ Navigatorsm

General

  • One–Touch Speakerphone & Speaker–Independent Voice Commands
  • Calculator, EZTip Calculator, Calendar, Alarm Clock, Stopwatch, World Clock, Notebook, Notepad & Drawing Pad with handwriting recognition
  • Up to 1000 contacts, 5 entries per contact
  • Device Software Update – Download software upgrades over the air

Specifications

  • Frequency: 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 800 MHz CDMA
  • Data Transmission: EV–DO Rev. A
  • Dimensions: 4.1″ (H) x 2.2″ (W) x 0.5″ (D)
  • Weight: 3.76 oz.
  • Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3
  • Meets FCC SAR limit. Manufacturer’s highest FCC reported SAR 1.09 W/kg at ear, 0.987 W/kg on body
  • Display: 260K Color TFT, 240×400 Pixels, 2.98″
  • Handset Usage Time: Up to 280 Minutes OR
  • Handset Standby Time: Up to 360 Hours
  • 3.5mm Headset Jack Capable
  • Handset Insurance is Available

Motorola Alexander = Android Phone ?

Motorola’s struggling handset division has been the subject of spinoff/sale rumors for quite awhile now. But with the launch of the new Motozine line and  its first phone, the Motozine ZN5, Motorola seems to have a lot more up its sleeve.

The story of the codenamed “Motorola Alexander” was scooped by BGR and described to him as, “Motorola’s Last Stand.” The Boy Genius has a knack for leaking soon-to-be-proved-true rumors and he claims, “this is said to be Moto’s last big attempt at getting back their market share and reclaiming victory. If this doesn’t work out, we’re told it’s all over for them and they will sell the company.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Roth from Wired Magazine dropped a gem of an article about Android in the publication’s July issue titled, “Google’s Open Source Android Phone Will Free the Wireless Web.” Besides being a darn good read, check out what he has to say about Motorola and Android:

The company’s handset business, slated to be spun off, is on life-support, and it’s counting on Android for a comeback. It has assigned its top designers — the people who crafted the Razr — to create new must-have models. Engineers from Good Technology, the BlackBerry competitor Motorola purchased in 2006, are now writing applications for Android. For Motorola, Android has to work.

Could the Motorola Alexander be an Android Phone?

Based on the alignment of these articles, it would certainly seem that way. And, it would make a lot of sense. We’ve also got some rumored specs for the phone:

Hmmm… but the OS is already said to be UIQ? This seems to be somewhat of a paradox. How could the Motorola Alexander be the “last stand” and happen around October and Android also be a “last stand” that happens late 4th quarter? It doesn’t seem to make sense.

Of course if the Motorola Alexander ISN’T an Android Phone than what IS it? How about the Motorola Blaze or Motorola Utopia? Both of these brand new phones were leaked when information about Verizon Visual Voicemail dropped on Engadget:

Something is fishy. Maybe the Alexander is an Android Phone… maybe it isn’t. But if it ISN’T then we can probably assume that it also isn’t the company’s last stand. Unles… they wait for Android and make their “last stand” a barrage of sick handsets so that if they go out, they go out in style.

What if the Alexander IS an Android phone AND its named the Motorola Utopia, which would mean its on the Verizon Wireless 700MHz open network for which at least one handset has already been approved.

The possibilities intrigue us… don’t let reality disappoint, dear Moto. If you’re looking to hit a walk off grand slam or go home as losers, you’d better have some pop in your bat. Cork it for all we care. Or better yet, take some anabolic androids.

Nokia N78 Hits American Shores (Not Stores)

We’ve got a quick little ditty for you: the Nokia N78 is now available in the good old US of A. It will only set high rollers back $560 while it will set chumps back a whopping $560 (see what we did there?).

Remember, that $560 is an unsubsidized price that isn’t tied to any service agreement with a carrier. Carphone Warehouse in Europe is selling the phone with service in that region for about $40 with a 2 year contract. For some reason, no American MNO’s have picked up the phone.

Soooo… you can grab your Nokia N78 online or at one of their two flagship stores in NYC or Chicago.

[Via Gizmodo]

ZN5 Gets Reviewed, Compared With The Best

From Russia with love comes these two extremely thorough reviews. SMAPE and Mobile-Review each found plenty of reasons to love the first MOTOZINE model, citing its large and beautiful display, imaging specific processor (delivering unparalleled speed when taking and viewing photos), extensive and balanced feature list, excellent build quality and good use of materials. Mobile-Review even goes as far as to say “now I can’t stop praising the ZN5, can I?”

But the initial excitement is tempered with the overall conclusion: for Motorola its a step in the right direction… a pretty sweet phone but not all that and a bag of whatever snacks your mom has around the house. For that, we’ll have to wait for the “Motorola Alexander” which some have hinted may be the ZN12.

SMAPE Review - ZN5 Review & Comparison
Mobile-Review.com - Full Review

BlackBerry Kickstart Pictured and Compared!

Perhaps RIM has just given up with secrets because it looks like the folks hanging around them are quite the shutterbugs. A plethora of blurry photos of the first ever (and unannounced) Blackberry flip phone - the Kickstart - have surfaced over at BlackberryShack.com. The shot above shows it beside the Blackberry Bold.

While it won’t be the sexiest new BlackBerry - the Bold and Javelin are more our type - this device represents an important step for RIM by appealing to the broad consumer market with several new form factors.  The Kickstart looks like it won’t disappoint the clamshell fans. The familiar Blackberry silver and black design graces the Kickstart along with the beloved/hated Suretype keyboard and now ubiquitous trackball.

Seriously though, with this much leakage happening, someone at RIM needs to find the hole in the dike…. and then show it to us so we can have a look!  Hit the link for more photos.

Read

Motorola’s MING Series: We’re Here Too!

Coming on the heels of Motorola’s biggest announcement in far too long, comes the quiet release of updates to the MING series. Certainly among the more interesting designs in the industry the MING series can, technically, be considered a clamshell (although a somewhat eccentric one). The MING never found popularity in North America but has been a success in China, so in many ways this update is just as important to Motorola as the ZN5.

Announced as a MING series addition today was the A1600, which runs on Linux OS, and features a 2.4 inch QVGA touch-screen, a 3MP camera with continuous autofocus and card reader mode, microSD slot, stereo Bluetooth, a microUSB port, built-in FM radio, and GPS receiver. As with most Motorola products the A1600 falls just a little short, offering neither WiFi nor 3G connectivity. It does however feature quad-band technology (EDGE only), which means it will work well for us North Americans.

The A1800 adds both CDMA (1x only) and triband GSM support (GPRS only) but still lacks WiFi and 3G. We think this will prove an interesting possibility for either Sprint or Verizon should they choose to release it, given that both carriers have recently brought out other hybrid phones (ahem, 8800 series).

[Via GSMArena]

Samsung Omnia: Coming Soon to AT&T

Rumor has it that the Samsung Omnia will suit up for the Blue Team with AT&T offering the phone in the near future. And by near future we mean July, August or September. Seeing as how initial conventional wisdom reported the Omnia wouldn’t make it to the states, this news couldn’t be any more exciting.

In addition to the regular AT&T multimedia features such as AT&T Music, AT&T Video and AT&T Navigator, the Omnia will also feature AT&T Mobile TV!

Here are some other specs to keep your mouth watering:

[Via Samsung Omnia]

BlackOutBerry: RIM Service Outage Midnight Friday

Mark your calendars BlackBerry faithful. From midnight on Friday, June 27th to 8AM on the 28th your trusty BlackBerry may not be, “unable to send or receive messages, use the BlackBerry Internet Service web site or perform activities such as creating new accounts, accessing your Internet mailbox, integrating 3rd party email accounts or viewing email attachments.”

Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

In reality, BlackBerry folks should be very happy. The planned “outage” is due to an upgrade from version 2.4 to 2.5 of the BlackBerry Internet Service Pack.

This means no more ridiculously ugly and basic emails! Version 2.5 supports reading of HTML emails complete with images, tables, hyperlinks, paragraph formatting, font formatting and a bunch more. It also improves download and editing of attachments with various file types.

A small sacrifice to make for a pretty cool update!

[Via BlackBerry, DataOutages]

MotoZine ZN5 Finally Official

It seems like years ago that we first heard rumors about Motorola’s new “Zine” product line that would supposedly feature a bunch of cool phones. No more dragging it out because we’re finally pulling in news from a Motorola Press Release stating that, “MOTOZINE ZN5 is the first device to carry the MOTOZINE franchise name, Motorola’s new label for its multimedia-optimized devices.”

So there you have it - the wait is over… kinda. According to EngadgetMobile, the phone will first be made available in China and start a World Tour about one month later. And from what we’re hearing, the entire MotoZine lineup could be well worth the wait.

Manufacturers have really been in an arms race over camera phone megapixels with Sony Ericsson having just announced their 8.1 MegaPixel C905. The ZN5 comes in at an impressive and competitive 5MP, but its not the MP alone that give this device photo power.

How about this for the Kodak branded phone:

It sounds like Motorola has a few tricks up their sleeve. If this is any sign of whats to come… the MotoZine line could be a pleasant surprise. Remember, the MOTOZINE ZN5 is just the first of many media-centric devices to be featured on this new brand.

Great… so now our impatience for the rest of the handsets begins!

[Via Motorola]

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