Nokia Adds a Gaggle of Low-End Phones

Nokia has recently released a group of six new phones aimed at developing markets. This list of phones include Supernova and XpressMusic branded headsets in an effort to get consumers moving towards higher end series in their lineup. The 7100 Supernova, a slider with a touchscreen (!?) and a 1.2MP camera, and the 5310 XpressMusic will run in the $32 to $115 USD range.

The rest of the group are all fairly standard bar phones, and include such amibiguous numbers as 2323, 2330, 1661 and 1202. The latter claimed the record of being Nokia’s cheapest phone ever.

In addition to the handsets Nokia has also announced services to complement them. Nokia’s Mail by Ovi and Agricultural tools can now be used on the devices in multilingual formats via SMS.

Lets home Nokia can recover some of its market share with this new flurry of low-end phones.

Via BoyGeniusReport.

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!

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]

Riki is Sony Ericsson’s Last “Thing” of 2008

We say “thing” alone because the Sony Ericsson Rika (W705) announcement to come on November 6th won’t exactly be a surprise nor anything big. It’s more or less another slightly different version of SE’s typical Walkmen line that - while solid - is all too familiar and lacks individual personality.

Where is the originality? What’s that you say? Xperia? Xperi-where?

Clear Audio Experience, WiFi, YouTube, 3.2MP camera and 4GB of possible memory make it a pretty decent device but nothing that’s going to blow you away. The phone will eventually be offered in 3 colors: Passionate Red, Luxury Silver and an Orange Something as well.

Sony Ericsson isn’t exactly going out with a BANG. I mean, for a holiday season that will have the iPhone 3G, T-Mobile G1, BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Storm, you mighta thunk SE would make getting a real challenger in the mix sooner rather than later more of a priority. Or perhaps dropped the ball a couple less times.

[Via USEB, CellPhoneSail]

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]

All I Want For Christmas is a Touch HD

If tech lovers the world over could replace the words “two front teeth” with anything similar sounding in the popular Christmas song and have their wish come true, surely we’d be hearing a lot of out of tune, “All I Want For Christmas is a Touch HD… a Touch HD… a-

We had better stop before we put the masses into instant depression. Especially those in the “States” who will never see the likes of the Touch HD and can only dream of its flawlessness. It has absolutely everything that most mobile phone enthusiasts desire… a GORGEOUS screen, compact body, great look/feel, quite thin (12mm), 3.5mm headphone jack, 5MP camera…

CNET’s Crave UK were lucky enough to swap finger taps with the Touch HD and below you’ll see some photos of the untamed beast.



This thing is a real BEAST. Even with the burden of WIndows Mobile (*cough* Android *cough*) the touch screen is quick, crisp and responsive. Not as responsive as say… the G1 or iPhone 3G- but the best of the WinMo brigade.

[Via Crave UK]

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]

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.

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]

Nokia N96… Yours For $900 at BestBuy

We know that Nokia’s N-Series devices are the bomb-diggity and that the N96 in specific is all that bomb-diggity and a bag of izzles, but would you pay almost a thousand bucks for it? If you want it unlocked from BestBuy that’s what you’ll have to do… plopping down $899.99 + tax for handset.

It doesn’t LOOK that spectacular and with all the alternative options out there, we wonder how well it will do given the current conditions of the economy. There are plenty of N-Series faithful… but are they rich and faithful?

That $900 pricetag is for online purchases but according to BGR the phone might also be available for in-store purchase for $100 less, at $799.99. Sure, it’s a discount, but that doesn’t exactly make it affordable. So what do you think - will you pick up the N96 even if it means burning a hole in your wallet?

Here are the specs you’ll get in return:

[Via UnwiredView]

The $99 iPhone… The Free iPhone… The What?

Hold your horses holiday shoppers. For those AT&T discount seeking late year fanatics that are mulling over whether or not to buy the Apple iPhone, you may want to wait until 2009. Speculation has it that the price on the most affordable iPhone will drop to $99 and a brand new “high end” model will be released.

With already soaring profits and huge margins, its pretty clear that Apple dropping the price to $199 was a goal to vastly increase volume and they’ll do so again if at all able to. In 2009 we’ll see the proliferation of Android and Apple may go on a pre-emptive strike by forcing iPhones on the public at $99 each.

Forcing, you say? Yes, forcing… because most people would be CRAZY to NOT select an iPhone out of the $99 devices on the market. In fact, at $99 a pop, the iPhone could literally threaten to dominate the phone market as the iPod has done the MP3 market. Okay, okay… maybe not THAT dominate, but you get the idea.

With each new device that Apple sells they earn more revenue from the iPhone App Store which means they can replace revenue from the device cost with software purchases. Before you know it, they could be subsidizing purchases of their own device with expected app store spending and… give away iPhones for FREE.

That, my friends, would be the day that the iPhone took over the world.

Sony Late To The Kegger with Xperia X1 Contest

Perhaps a commenter at the Boy Genius Report put it best:

“god dammit sony! i was excited about this phone for so long, but now you’re like the guy that shows up to the kegger at 4 am ready to start a beer pong tourney! where the bleep were you 6 hours (read months) ago!”

So true… so true… with the iPhone App Contest and Android Developer Challenge 1 behind us, Sony Ericsson decided to wow the market with the change to win millions of dollars an Xperia X1. The contest is based on the Xperia’s use of “panels” which is a core (and proprietary) functionality of the Xperia. Whoever can make best creative and efficient use of the panels will win!

I don’t see many devs jumping over to work on this with such lucrative opportunities in the other markets. In fact, this contest would be better left uncontested. This just accentuates the fact that SE is dropping the ball on a phone that could have been a powerhouse but now will likely have to settle for mediocrity.

[Via BGR]

Dell’s New Smarts Look Confused

World reknowned computer manufacturer Dell is trying their hand in the mobile phone market again… this time releasing two phones known by “Pharos Traveller” that look like they might stop and ask YOU for directions. Dell was at one point rumored to be working on an Android Phone but it looks like they just had an itch to make something that calls people.

Both phones - a regular and a touch - will feature Windows Mobile 6.1 and the following specs:

The front facing camera is a nice touch although at .3MP we’re wondering how clear it will be. Mom? Is that you? “No, Kevin… it’s your father…”

The phones just don’t look that great, don’t offer much of anything new, have a Ball And Chain OS and is just downright boring. If you’re trying to make a splash in a parallel industry, you gotta jump from higher than the kiddie diving board.

[Via BoingBoing Gadgets]

Bang Gets Olufsened: No More Phones

We were going to make the title “Olufsen Gets Banged” but it sounded like a cheap porno movie gone wrong (is there any other kind?). High-end luxury tech manufacturer Bang & Olufsen, citing the economic downturn, is cutting all non-core competencies out of its product line. TV & Sound = In while phones, DVD players and all that other jazz are OUT.

Its a shame to see them go citing the economic reasons. But when you’re celling sell phones for $2,000 a pop you’re in a tough business to begin with, what with all thes iPhones, Droid Phones and miracle devices on the market for well under $500.

<Raising Hand> Question. Why doesn’t B&O take one of their sexy devices and stick Android on that bad boy and railroad the entire industry with hardware that is more than iPhone worthy competition while adopting free software that can instantly compete.

Instantaneously the phone would be an instant Ricky Martin…. “She Bangs, She Bangs”… and Olufsens? In any case, if Banger’s Execs are reading this… why not give a hands off Android project a whirl?

[Via Financial Times]

AT&T Branded HTC Fuze Makes Brief Show on eBay

Want to see the HTC Fuze on eBay? Yeah, so did we. Faster than you can say “you just got caught sucka” the auction and accompanying pictures of what is surely an AT&T branded HTC Fuze were off the popular auction site. Fortunately, a stealthy blogger was able to snatch the photos up before they disappeared. Unlike normal pre-release shots these are not the low quality, blurry shots we are used to. The quality of the screen in particular on this device says a little about what we can expect when this device finally hits the shelves. Enjoy the show everyone.

Via WMPoweruser

Dual SIM Luxury Samsung Joins the Ranks

Not wanting to give Motorola and its Aura the entire spotlight in the luxury phone arena Samsung has just released their latest kick at the rhodium-plated can, titled, rather oddly, the Samsung S9402 Duos. Yes, we agree—it just rolls off the tongue.


What’s the big selling feature? Well it’s the fact that you can stick two SIMs into your high-end, jetsetter approved Samsung hardware. EDGE? You betcha. 3G? Not so much. In true fashion phone colours, and, like the Aura, this device is void of 3G support. (Bleh!)

For your nickel (or expected 1000 Euros) you do however get the aforementioned rhodium-plated body, which is resistant to damage, as well as a 262k colour OLED screen, 5MP autofocus camera, 1GB internal storage (as well as a microSD slot),  USB support and Bluetooth.


At this point, there isn’t too much information about the release date, although apparently Russia (and Europe?) are getting it soon. Don’t get your hopes up for arrival here… by the way, $1,000 Euros and no 3G? Do they assume all stylish people are clueless?

Via GSMArena

BlackBerry Bold: $149 To Make, $491 to Troubleshoot

Gizmodo has Maxwell Smarted the BlackBerry Bold, putting together 2 recent news announcements whose combined synergy leaves us saying WTF? Those two announcements? iSuppli has determined the cost to manufacture the BlackBerry Bold is probably about $169 while BestBuy just announced the non-contract price is $600.

That leaves us no choice but to assume that the pricing is EXTREMELY fair because you’re actually paying for the $491 in troubleshooting that caused delay after delay over the past decade.

Sony Ericsson’s President Announces Ch..Ch..Ch..Changes

Sony Ericsson’s President, Hideki ‘Dick’ Komiyama has spilled the beans on there plans for 2009. Looks like SE wants to shrink its three different Research & Development sections into one so that they don’t spend a whole bunch of time and money developing the same products. In addition they are likely to release fewer products in 2009 because of this.

In my opinion, this makes sense. We’ve seen a lot of familiar products come out of SE (and others, Samsung we’re looking at you) that really have very few unique attributes to distinguish themselves. At one point I knew Sony Ericsson’s product line, but I gave up after the umpteenth Cyber-Shot/Walkman autofocus do-dad came on the market. Lets hope this new found efficiency can bring SE back up to its old, trendsetting standards…and profitability standards.

Via The Unofficial Sony Ericsson Blog

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