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]

Verizon’s Phone Launch Calendar

We now know that Verizon will be getting the HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro (yay) and it looks like there is a whole slate of new phones coming out in the 3rd quarter. PhoneArena got the low down on the showdown and apparently, heres how its going to go down:

Obviously what we’re interested in here are the HTC devices, the Blaze which is a multimedia touchscreen phone in Motorola’s new “Motozine” line, the VU30 which might just be the mysterious “Utopia” and the Palm Treo 800w.

The rest are pretty ho-hum - at least on the surface - but we’ll let you know if anything develops. Lets hear it again for the Touch Diamond/Pro being on more carriers!

[Via PhoneArena]

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]

Opera Mobile 9.5 Beta — July 15th!

If you’re like me, you don’t favor hate the standard Pocket Internet Explorer that comes pre-loaded onto your Windows Mobile 6 device, so you search for alternatives. Opera has been around forever in the mobile browsing industry with small Java versions for most Java enabled handsets and stronger, more intensive and feature based versions for Windows Mobile phones. At long last, here comes version 9.5!

While some early versions of phones, such as the HTC Diamond are already coming shipped with Opera 9.5, the release has not been made official. For those wondering why, Opera explains it all:

Some versions of Opera Mobile 9.5 are already shipping on great phones like the HTC Touch Diamond, and some of you have asked why we wouldn’t be able to release it publically yet. As you probably know, releasing a version that works on a large variety of phones is more complex than making it work on one specific phone. You should also expect a few differences between the versions that are pre-installed on phones and the public version of Opera Mobile 9.5.

Mark your calendars folks, it’s just over two weeks away!

[Via Opera Blog]

Alltel Adds Free Texting!

Yesterday, Alltel annoucned the addition of free texting to it’s “My Circle” offer. Now, all “My Circle” plan holders can send UNLIMITED text, video and picture message between people in their “circle”, as well as all other Alltel customers with Alltel’s new “My Circle” offer starting at only $7.99 every month.

Now, there is a couple plans. The lowest one of course starting at $7.99 giving you 400 text/video/picture messages to send between people not within your “circle”. If you think you’ll be workin’ your thumbs a little harder, there’s also a $12.99 pack which gives you 1,000 instead of 400. And for extreme thumb jazzercizers you’re in luck… they still are offering an unlimited message pack which is $19.99 a month that gives you both unlimited messaging and mobile browsing.

Alltel folks might want to snap this deal up (before they become Verizon folks). Then you can go over to your friend’s and they’ll see your buff thumbs and be all like, “Whoa, you’ve been working out!” — it’s a total chick magnet.. let me live my dream!

[Via Phone Scoop]

Hello Rhapsody, Says Verizon.

I’m sure you’ve been out of your house and had a song stuck in your head that you just had to listen to. If not, you’re an alien and I’m calling the FBI. For humans who also happen to be Verizon customers, get ready to rejoice: today, Verizon Wireless announced that it will be introducing Rhapsody’s subscription based music service on their network. This brings you unlimited mobile music downloads for $15 bucks a month - not bad!

Rhapsody appears to be following the footsteps of its siblings, Napster and iTunes. But breathe a sigh of relief, because they’ve taken off that ever so annoying DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection so you now have control over the music you buy.. unlike the past.

If you have however bought a song on VCAST before, you also received a copy of the MP3 track for your PC. Now, that copy will be unprotected… no DRM! While songs that are downloaded through this new service will still come with DRM protection, you need to connect it to your PC with Rhapsody installed to get the non-DRM’d MP3 for your PC. Mac users? Sorry, this won’t work for you yet.

This service will only work with the LG Chocolate 3 (available in July), LG Decoy and LG Dare; Motorola W755; Samsung U550, Samsung Glyde and Samsung Juke. However, if you’re using the Motorola RIZR Z6tv, Motorola RAZR2 V9m or LG VX8700 you’ll need to pop on in to your local Verizon store and get an upgrade of your phone’s software.

[Via Verizon Wireless]

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]

You Say Goodbye, I Say Helio

If Helio had a theme song for a 2008 Soundtrack it would be the altered Beatles song mentioned in the title. With “You” being Helio Customers and “I” being Virgin Mobile. Virgin Mobile has just acquired Helio for $39 Million Dollars.

Helio was one of the most popular MVNO’s and considered to be the most innovative. MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operators - the actual carriers like AT&T and Verizon Wireless are MNOs. The difference? Helio purchased service from carriers and resold it to customers, making them “virtual” operators.

MVNOs are short lived and dying breed with Virgin Mobile being one of the last well known brand standing. There are some smaller ones out there but the future may not be too bright giving Helio’s fate.

One thing that could possibly revive these MVNO’s would be a willingness to adopt the open source phones such as Android, Limo Foundation phones and Open Source Symbian phones. If the put the user before the agenda of profits, as the main carriers will seemingly do, they may be able to gobble enough interested onlookers. But how long would that last before the big guys pull a simple switcheroo and cut them right back out?

BGR got a hold of a few Question and Answers about the aquisition from an internal e-mail that was leaked. Apparently customers will not lose service during the transition - it will be seamless - and it will take place over a gradual phasing out period.

Here is the email:

Q: What does this mean for current HELIO members? Can I still use my HELIO device, while keeping my HELIO service plan and number?

A: Current service plans will continue without interruption. HELIO members are at the center of this transaction and we’ll continue to bring them the innovative mobile services they’ve come to expect.

Q: Can new members still sign up for HELIO service?

A: Absolutely. HELIO will continue to offer exclusive, high-end devices and our innovative All-In plans.

Q: Will the HELIO brand be retained, or will everything migrate to Virgin Mobile USA?

A: Over time, we expect that all aspects of the customer experience will be integrated under the Virgin Mobile USA brand.  Integration of the direct sales channel will begin immediately, and we expect that existing HELIO products and services will soon be offered through the Virgin Mobile USA website at www.virginmobileusa.com.

Q: So what’s next?

A: We’re excited by the possibilities our new, combined team offers. We have some big ideas, but as you can imagine, a little bit of housekeeping is in order before we share them. Stay tuned!

Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?

A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).

[Via BGR, Engadget]

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

Open Source Symbian: 2010 or Later

The muffled hoopla surrounding around Android enjoyed a temporary spike in interest earlier this week when Symbian, the operating system on more smart phones than any other platform, announced they wree going Open Source. The explosion of articles pitting Open Source Symbian vs. Android could not be avoided.

As usual, people broke out their “Jump to Conclusions Pad,” and begun writing articles claiming that Android and the iPhone are doomed, Symbian will rule the world and its only a matter of time! Muahahah. Afterall, developers can start building for the platform TODAY and were promised their applications would work on the first devices to come out.

And then we found out the earliest these open source Symbian phones will launch is 2010. Before me start making assumptions about NEXT decade the 1.5 years left in THIS decade will have a lot to say.

That’s not to say that Symbian should be written off or underestimated - afterally, they DO dominate the smart phone platform market and their Open Source announcement is incredibly meaningful. While there won’t be any immediate implications it illustrates the direction in which the mobile industry is headed.

And we like that direction.

Whether the iPhone, Android, Open Source Symbian or another platform earns dominance in the next decade, it doesn’t really make a difference. We’re just happy to see this strong movement and new direction the mobile world is taking towards providing consumers with the greatest choice and flexibility.

Or we could be bitter… took ya long enough, didn’t it?

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

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