Alltel and Digit Wireless today announced the LG AX-490, the country's first phone with a FasTap text keypad. FasTap speeds messaging and other text entry by adding individual letter keys in-between the number keys of a standard phone keypad. The FasTap keypad also enables one-touch shortcuts to nearly any function of the phone. The clamshell CDMA phone also features Bluetooth, a VGA camera, BREW, a full-color OLED outer display, and speaker-independent voice control. The AX-490 will be available Thursday, August 3rd.


Source: Alltel / Digit Wireless

LG Chocolate Phone Accessories For Verizon

We just talked about the LG Chocolate Phone on Verizon; now let’s talk about the host of accessories made available to Verizon Wireless customers. There are Bluetooth(R) stereo headphones, Portable Speakers, microSD(TM) memory cards and a Music Essentials Kit which will make the LG Chocolate experience more worthwhile.

Bluetooth lanyard stereo ear bud headsets with in-line music controller with play, rewind, fast-forward, pause and stop capabilities are available for the Chocolate phone which also has hands free capabilities and includes caller ID display, 3-way calling and last number redial. The Jabra or Sony wired stereo headsets are a good bet too.

If you are the generous kind and want to share your music with the rest of the world then opt for the universal portable speakers from LG and from Altec Lansing which feature a 3.5 mm stereo input and a 2.5 mm adapter. The microSD memory port supports a 2GB memory card that can hold up to 1,000 songs whereas the Music Essentials Kit lets one transfer music from their PCs to their phones via a starter CD with Windows Media(TM) Player 10 and USB driver software, a USB cable with an in-line box to plug in the charger and stereo headset with microphone and Call, Answer and End buttons.

Prices vary according to accessories and for all the details read the extended entry. For more info head over to http://www.accessorygeeks.com/lgkg800.html


Source: MobileWack.com

Plantronics Explorer 330 Bluetooth headset

Since those first words from the moon "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.", which was carried through a Plantronics headset of course, the company's products have become a headset of choice for most people. Plantronics today at the press announced their new explorer line of bluetooth headsets for bluetooth mobile phones. One of the models include the Explorer 330 bluetooth headset.

The Plantronics Explorer 330, as evident from the picture we've acquired, is a classic and light weight headset. Weighing less than an ounce, the headset is targetted at the first time users and features a simple and classic design that fuses the freedom of wireless mobility with effortless call control and is also very easy to use. The headset users can have access to all controls like volume, answer/end call, last-number redial, and voice-activated dialing with the push of a single button. Fits comfortably into the ear and and users have the freedom to roam up to 33 feet from your Bluetooth device ie about 10 metres which is a standard.

With the incorporation of a lithium battery, it can deliver up to 8 hours of talk time and has a whopping standby time of about 240 hours. The Explorer 330 has an MSRP of $79.95 and will be available this fall at www.plantronics.com and at stores, such as RadioShack, T-Mobile and Target.


Source: Mobilewack

Plantronics Explorer 340 Bluetooth Headset

One of the models launched by Plantronics today includesthe Explorer 340 Bluetooth headset. The Explorer 340 is more or less very much similar to the 330. Like the 330, the 340 is also a light weight and easy to use headset featuring a sleek design. The Explorer 340 expands on the innovative designs of previous models. The Explorer 340 also features a new aggressive styling and multiple colors to provide consumers with more design options. The headset also has a single button with which users can control volume, answer/end calls, last-number redial, and voice-activated dialing. It delivers 2 hours of continuous talk time and as well as provides the convenience you want and the mobility you need with the one touch button control.

The Explorer 340 is available at an MSRP of $79.95. For more info check out the Plantronics site

Source: Mobilewack

Samsung Introduces High-Performance MMC Cards

Samsung announced today that it has developed the industry's highest density MMC cards for portable applications.

Based on Samsung's 8-gigabit (Gb) NAND flash memory, the MMCplus card will be introduced with an 8-gigabyte (GB) density, allowing it to store 2,000 MP3 music files or eight hours of DVD-quality movies. The 8 GB card will be part of a full line up of MLC-based MMCplus cards that also will include 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB offerings.

With added density and higher performance, the new Samsung MMCplus cards are designed to greatly enhance user convenience for a variety of mobile applications.

Samsung also is introducing a separate card advancement: a higher performance MMC that more than triples the performance of conventional small-form-factor memory cards. The higher performance version makes use of SLC NAND flash memory, providing a read-speed of 40 MB/s and a write-speed of 25 MB/s. The advanced MMCplus card can save six MP3 songs per second, or two hours of DVD-quality movies in less than a minute. The high-performance card will be available in two variations: a 1 GB and a 2 GB density.

Samsung's new high-density and high-performance MMCplus cards are expected to be available in the second half of this year.

T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless Tops Customer Care Ratings

T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless ranked best in customer care according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Wireless Customer Care Performance Study released today

The study, now in its fourth year, provides a detailed report card on a semi-annal basis of wireless provider customer care performance based on customer experiences with three point-of-contact methods: telephone call with a service representative and/or automated response system (ARS); at a retail wireless store; and online Internet connection. Within each contact method, processing issues such as problem resolution efficiency and hold-time duration are also measured.

The study finds that 59 percent of wireless customers contact their provider within a 12 month period - the highest level since measurement began in 2000. Since that time, the average incidence rate has steadily climbed. In 2005, the incidence rate reached 54 percent - up from 47 percent in 2000.

A key factor contributing to the increase in contact frequency is not only the rise of new wireless services and products that are available, but also the complexity of using those products. As customers capture still pictures or video, download ring tones, play MP3 files, and even watch TV clips on their wireless phones, they are increasingly likely to call their provider for support.

This puts pressure on the provider's customer care centers and service representatives to not only handle the increase in customer inquiries, but to also understand the issue or problem and attempt to get the inquiry resolved in a timely manner.

T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless rank highest in a tie among the five largest wireless service providers in creating a positive experience for customers who contact their provider for service or assistance. Both providers perform particularly well across all factors, especially in the areas of customer service representatives, hold times and resolving inquiries with one contact. ALLTEL follows T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless in the rankings.

The study also finds several key wireless customer care patterns:

- The average number of contacts to resolve an inquiry by phone is 1.76 - a decrease from 1.94 from Volume 1 of the study, which was released in January.
- Among customers who contact their provider, 74 percent do so by telephone and 22 percent do so through their provider's retail store. E-mail/Internet contacts account for just 4 percent of customer contacts.
- The average initial reported hold time on calls to the customer service department is 3.59 minutes - an increase from 3.44 minutes in 2005. In comparison, it takes an average of more than 8 minutes before speaking to a representative at one of the provider's retail stores.
- Nearly one-half of customers (45%) contact their provider with a service inquiry that is billing related, and 51 percent of these contacts can be attributed to incorrect charges. An additional 31 percent of all customer care inquiries are call-quality related.

The 2006 Wireless Customer Care Performance Study is based on responses from more than 11,430 wireless customers who contacted customer care within the past year. The results are from the past two reporting waves, conducted in January and March 2006. The 2007 Volume 1 report will be issued in January 2007.

Overall Customer Care Index Rankings

1. T-Mobile - 104
2. Verizon Wireless - 104
3. ALLTEL - 99
4. Cingular - 95
5. Sprint Nextel - 95

- Industry Average - 99

Sony M608c Phone FCC Approved

Documents available at the FCC show a recently approved Sony Ericsson M608c, a UIQ3 based all-in-one phone. The Sony M608c comes with a USB data cable and supports Memory Stick Micro (M2) for expanding memory. It features the familiar Jog Dial to scroll lists, doubling up as volume control when using it as an audio player.

A dual function keyboard is present on the phone, making it easier to enter text thanks to the QWERTY layout. A stylus takes care of recognizing your handwriting. The full-fledged web browser on the phone allows you to subscribe to RSS feeds as well.

The Sony M608c includes an advanced media player that handles playback of both audio and video files, and the phone is compatible with PlayNow service. In addition, both QuickOffice and PDF+ are pre-installed.

For now, the phone is set for the Chinese market - but it could hit other countries soon.

Sony DR-BT10CX Wireless Stereo Headset

Sony has a new Bluetooth headset up its sleeve. The Sony DR-BT10CX wireless stereo headset allows you to not only make and receive phone calls, but listen to your favorite music while you are on the move.

Of course, there're still a couple of wires flowing out of the device and into the earplugs - but that's okay. Pairing the headset with your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone is relatively easy: use "0000" as the passcode while pairing.

The DR-BT10CX supports HFP/HSP (handsfree/headset) profiles as well as A2DP (audio distribution). No pricing info or availability yet, but check back with us soon.

The Helio Hero / Pantech 8300 Review

Once again Korean owned Helio a virtually new 3G carrier has made another splash by releasing their second EV—DO handset, the all-new Pantech Helio Hero/Pantech 8300. Helio a virtual carrier, also recently released the Helio Kickflip spinner, their 1st EV-DO handset. It looks as though this new CDMA frequency carrier, borrowing towers from Verizon currently is making quick work of its Global brand, by continuously innovating new and cool looking wireless technological advanced communications products, which is breaking entry barriers and creating awareness like never before in the U.S. market. The Helio Hero is a bulky black-and-silver slider phone with a 2-megapixel camera and the ability to post photos on myspace to share & care with all your friends on the web.
Unlike the Kickflip, elegance in motion, the Hero is big and bulky in your hands. However, for all you high-tech lovers out there this phone will be quite a delight. The Pantech Helio Hero slider phone measuring at 4.3 by 1.9 by 1.0 and weight at 4.73 ounces definitely does not fall into the slim category. The Pantech Hero with its 2.2 in 262,000-color 240 x 320 resolution LCD, twin-domed shaped speakers, built in flash, 2.2 mega pixel camera, bold camera lens assembly, and flashing navigation keys make quite a technological impression. The five-way navigational mouse is easy enough to use and the usual soft and talk/end keys are on the left and right hand side of the five-way navigational mouse, while the back control is just beneath. On the right edge of the Hero is a slot for the TransFlash memory card, covered by a hard plastic flap, while dedicated volume level, voice memo and camera buttons sit on the left edge. Unfortunately, while the volume control pulls up the phone’s various volume settings, it will not increase or decrease the phones volume while you're in a call. Instead, you must tap the mouse, which can be awkward while trying to chat, while on a call. Finally, the one-touch video and music buttons flank the LCD up near the top of the phone. The cool video-out port we found on the Kickflip can no longer be found on the Hero , however.
The dual-mode Hero (800/1900 EV-DO) comes with most standard calling features you'd expect, including a speakerphone, voice memos, and three-way calling. However, there's no voice calling capabilities, and conference calls are difficult to switch back and forth between callers, plus you can’t hang up on one caller without losing both calls, which is a bummer. There's also no Bluetooth capability, which means you can't make calls with a wireless headset. That’s seems odd for the Hero to be only compatible to 2.5mm wireless headset, especially when Bluetooth is so popular now a days. The Hero's address book holds only 500 contacts, compared to 1,200 on the Kickflip, but you can wirelessly sync your PIM info at Helio’s Web e-mail site, or with the upcoming PC sync utility, which should be ready in a few weeks, according to a Helio rep. As with the Helio Kickflip, the messaging options on the Hero could be better. You can send text and picture messages via SMS or MMS, but there’s no support for POP or IMAP e-mail, and there’s no on-board IM client. There are links to various e-mail services – such as Yahoo Mail and Helios’s own e-mail service – in the Hero's WAP browser, but you can easily access those from any WAP-enabled handset, which makes the web-technology in the phone mediocre.
An interesting feature in the Hero is its ability to "gift" or "beg" for games, videos, and apps (a feature also found on the Kickflip). See a video that a Helio buddy might like? Just click Gift and enter their phone number to send it to them – or, by the same token, click Beg and ask a friend to please send you that cool new 3D shooter that they have. Even better, both the Hero and the Kickflip lets you rent games for 99 cents a week – a great way to test-drive a game before plunking down five or six bucks, which is a gamers dream.We at accessorygeeks.com tested the Hero in Walnut, Ca. Calls made by the Pantech Hero sounded loud, crisp and clear, plus our buddies on the other end said they could hear us loud and clear. Though the Hero's speakerphone sounded a bit tinny compared to the Kickflip, the battery life on the Hero was considerably better than the Kickflip. The Hero produced 4hours of talk time and 6 days of standby time compared to its predecessor the Kickflip, which generated a talk time of 2.75 hours and standby time of 3.5 days. The backlight displays a cool bluish color, which looks sick in a clear protective case. It’s especially eye-catching at nights. Speaking of protective cases, though the phone is bulky the durability of the phone with time will diminish. It’s recommended to protect you LCD with a screen protector of sorts and keep your phone looking the same as the day you bought it.
Overall the bulky high-tech looking Hero Slider suffers from the same problems that plagued the Kickflip limited messaging options, no Bluetooth, a sub-par 2MP camera, lackluster calling features and weak multimedia content from Helio’s mobile storefront. However, even with numerous problems that still has not been addressed with Helios’s second cellular edition, the ability to gift, beg, rent content and the Hero's myspace integration alone provides a more positive outlook for the Helio Hero/Pantech 8300.

The Handspring Treo 700w Review

A significant difference between the Treo 650 to the Handspring Treo 700w is that the new Verizon Treo700w is the first Palm Treo to run Windows Mobile. This new feature signifies a major departure from the Palm OS that has been run on the original Handspring Treo 180 to the more recent Treo 650. However, the Treo 700w is in a lot of ways similar to the Treo 650. Though, unfortunately for Mac users, out of the box, the new Verizon Treo 700w does not support Macintosh systems. Mark/Space, the makers of the Missing Sync, are still in the process of working on a Mac solution to support Windows Mobile 5 and the Verizon Treo 700w. However, I would not get my hopes up too soon for a miraculous solution because the development of the software is still in its preliminary process.
What’s in the Box? The Verizon Handspring Treo 700w comes with the Palm Treo 700w smartphone, the USB Sync cable, a rechargeable battery, a wired headset, ac charger, a welcome CD, Windows Mobile Getting Started CD, and a quick reference guide. Any additional accessories can be purchased, but is not included in the box are Bluetooth headsets, additional batteries, portable car chargers, protective cases, data cables, additional memory for storage, any type of holders, displays, novelty hand straps/charms to create a more personal ascetic look for your Treo 700w and the all important screen protector. Hey nowadays who doesn’t believe that their phones are an extension of themselves right! So why not individualize them to fit personality characteristics at an accessory store near you.

The moment you turn on your Treo 700w, you’re greeted by the touch-enabled Windows Today menu screen, which truly has a genuine desktop feel to it. The screen on the Treo 700w is 240 x 240, which in retrospect is smaller than the Treo 650, which has a 320 x 240 screen. Also in retrospect, the main screen on the Treo 650 is called the accedialer that includes favorite buttons that can be used for speed dial or to launch your favorite applications. The Treo 700w Windows today screen has some unique features unlike its counterpart the Treo 650, like the automatic formatting option when searching for a contact to dial out. Speaking of dialing out, call quality, when making a call near my house the quality of the call proved that the Treo 700w provides loud, crisp and clear sound, whether you are calling someone, receiving a call or just using your multimedia. But don’t quote me on call quality aspect; it all depends on your carrier service and the area you reside in. If interested you can purchase the phone at a Verizon dealer near you. The breaking news from a Handspring user is that the phone is going for $599.99 without a plan at Verizon, but if you choose to sign a 2-year plan with them then you can purchase the phone for a more affordable $399.99. I guess that everyone now is choosing a market approach that mimic’s the RAZR entry approach, which sold at a very high price without a plan. Though because of its extreme popularity even with a plan it was at $399.99 for quite a bit of time. Like many other cellular phones the primary way to navigate through the phone is by using the Windows navigation button and the two menu buttons to the sides. Whether it is to acknowledge a change, Xing out an application, outlook messaging or menu preferences all can be accessed through the Windows screen. The menu screen will give you access to contacts, the dial pad, call log, edit speed dial, modify phone, and today’s preferences. One cool thing that I enjoyed when using the Handspring Treo 700w is its ability to illustrate contacts using photos. I always find it difficult to associate a name without a picture, especially if I have over 50 to 100 contacts listed on the phone and you can add more with the option of expandable memory. The contact function on the phone makes browsing through contacts a breeze. As with the Treo 650 the Treo 700w allows you to access e-mail automatically in intervals after initial set-up. You can set up multiple e-mail accounts with multiple alerts that alert you when you receive e-mails. You can access the web by dialing #777 for automatic broadband connection. The connection speed on average took about a 6 to 7 seconds, which to me is quite fast for a cellular phone. The Internet connection enables you to access a cool feature on the Handspring Treo 700w, the Google enable search box, which actually works folks and allows you to search the Web using Google search instead of the usual MSN. Hey the feature came in handy when I was looking for a Pizza Hut number ok! But overall the Treo 700w smartphone continued to impress me with its ability to offer a wide range of functions along with its Windows enabled touch screen the phone is also equipped with Bluetooth pairing capability, various calling features (call wait, conference calling, call and hold), voice command features, speakerphone capability, Pocket MSN allowing Hotmail & MSN Messenger right at your fingertips, and an upgraded 1.3 megapixel video camera with resolution up to 1280x1024 and a zoom feature up to 2x. Compared to the Treo 650the Treo 700w offers s greater degree of picture clarity and resolution mainly due to its increased megapixel capability. I mean what else can you on average ask for right? Well folks that’s not all you get in the package! Other features include multimedia functions using its Windows Media Player, like MP3 & video replay. Plus with the Handspring Treo 700w you have the ability customize your skin on Treo 700w Media player. The only issue I had with the multimedia music/video screen was the size and clarity of the video quality itself. In comparison to the Treo 650 the Treo 700w had faster speed capabilities, but its video stream is not up to par. The size dimensions of the video are small and hard to see. Though Treo 650 may be slower, the smartphone provides better video quality. Also, in addition to the Windows Media Player the Handspring Treo 700w supports Word, Excel, and PowerPoint mobile applications. Once launched, these applications could be edited and saved in the phone, then can be sent via e-mail to any computer location in the world. This function became very handy, especially when I need a portable channel to relay messages/personal work for professional and personal reasons. Other additional applications like note taking using a note pad type of application & voicing memos were both a plus. Though I wished that the manufacturers of the Handspring Treo 700w would give it an additional umph… some extra power, for it being a PDA smartphone. But overall I was quite satisfied with the usability, applications of the phone, and the effective use of digital real estate to make the phone more accessible to various uses quite efficiently, just like its predecessor the Handspring Treo 650.

Motorola Z Silver Slider Phone Launched

Motorola has just showcased its new slider phone in Korea, the Motorola Z Silver which is also the second RAZR-like phone and the successor for Motorola Z (MX600) which had been released in March. It is just a hair thicker than the RAZR V3 and still sports a large 2.2" 262k color display, 1.3 megapixel camera and an MP3 player. Motorola Z Silver is just 14.8mm thick the one bad thing about this machine living in the USA, it is only available in South Korea. No words on the availability or pricing.

Sony Ericsson K610im Phone

Release Date:
Q3 2006

At just 17 mm thick, the Sony Ericsson K610im offers i-mode, a service that delivers a richer experience for handling iMail, browsing the Internet, and viewing content. The i-mode service delivers a whole new experience in connected mobile applications such as iMail, Web browsing, and iMMS. Consumers can shoot pictures with the phone's 2.0-megapixel camera and send them in high quality as as email as well as iMMS messages. The supplied 64 MB Memory Stick (M2) will store up to 175 photos, and can be expanded to 1 GB, and K610im has everything users need for fast, responsive video calling.

Release Date:
Q3 2006

At just 17 mm thick, the Sony Ericsson K610im offers i-mode, a service that delivers a richer experience for handling iMail, browsing the Internet, and viewing content. The i-mode service delivers a whole new experience in connected mobile applications such as iMail, Web browsing, and iMMS. Consumers can shoot pictures with the phone's 2.0-megapixel camera and send them in high quality as as email as well as iMMS messages. The supplied 64 MB Memory Stick (M2) will store up to 175 photos, and can be expanded to 1 GB, and K610im has everything users need for fast, responsive video calling.

Sony Ericsson K610im Features

Slim and stylish 3G phone measuring only 17 mm thin
Bright and large 1.9-inch 262K-color TFT screen for optimal messaging and Web browsing
Built-in 2.0-megapixel digital camera with 2.5X digital zoom and video recording and playback capabilities
Packaged stereo headset and Disc2Phone music management software to enjoy full-length music videos and music
Supports standard push email to stay on top of incoming email, PC synchronisation to keep contacts and in-phone calendar up-to-date, and high-speed modem capabilities to connect a PC to the internet
UMTS technology for high-speed data transmission with Netfront browser
J2ME MIDP 2.0 support for application, ringer, wallpaper, graphic and game downloads
Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free conversations

Another Design Icon Coming to Verizon

Source: Engadget Mobile

Verizon's recently revealed version of the Chocolate phone (VX 8500) will be joined by another new design icon, the Motorola Canary. Filings with the Bluetooth SIG indicated Motorola would be launching a CDMA version of the phone with Verizon. Today Engadget Mobile received confirmation that this was the case, thanks to pictures of the device running Verizon's unified interface. The Bluetooth SIG filings also indicated that the Canary will be called the RAZR K1 on GSM networks and K1c on Verizon. There is still no launch date for the new Motorolas as they have not been officially announced yet, however Phone Scoop has recently learned the the Chocolate is set to launch by mid-July.

FCC Approves Motorola Canary, Officially Called K1

The FCC today approved the successor to the Motorola's RAZR, code-named Canary. The RAZR K1 has been approved as a quad-band GSM / EDGE phone with Bluetooth. The manual lists the device as the K1 (GSM) lending credibility to other evidence that K1 will be the official designation for this phone and that a CDMA model is due out on Verizon as well. Like the Capri, the K1 has a Micro SD slot under the battery cover and is due to have the same 176 x 220 screen and 2 Megapixel camera as its slider cousin. It is not known when Motorola will officially announce the K1 or the slider code-named Capri, but since the normally secretive company did not extend the confidentiality period with the FCC on the K1, it is expected to be soon.

Source: FCC

LG Reveals Next Cingular 3G Phone

LG has launched a web site for the CU500, a new 3G phone previously mentioned by Cingular but never revealed. The CU500 is a slim metallic clamshell with a rotating 1.3 megapixel camera in the hinge. It has HSDPA 3G data, which is up to 5 times faster than the UMTS data used in Cingular's first 3G phones. It also has a wide variety of multimedia applications designed to take advantage of the higher data speeds and advanced capabilities of this phone. These include a Cingular Video player for purchased clips, MobiTV for streaming video and audio, and a music player with external playback controls. The CU500 also features a Micro SD slot, stereo Bluetooth (A2DP), and over the air software updates. The Samsung ZX-20, which also has HSDPA, is expected on Cingular soon as well. A launch date has not been set for either of these two phones. Today Cingular also launched 3G services for San Antonio, Texas.

Source: LG & Phonescoop.com

FCC Approves Nokia E50(s)

The FCC today approved the Nokia E50 business phone. Instead of the single model Nokia announced, the FCC approved two - one with a 1.3 Megapixel camera as announced, and a second without a camera. The models are identical otherwise. Both feature quad band GSM / EDGE in a slim candybar form and include software to access corporate email using a variety of servers including Blackberry, Good, Seven and Visto. Features also include Bluetooth 2.0, a Micro SD slot and document viewers.



Actual Source:Phonescoop.com & FCC

Nokia N73

This compact smartphone packs in the features, including an advanced 3.2 megapixel auto-focus camera with high-resolution video capture. Other features include a music player, miniSD memory card slot, class 11 EDGE data, full web browser, and Bluetooth.

Planned Availability: 3rd Quarter 2006

BlackBerry 7130c / 7130g

This update to the 7100 sports a sleek new design, EDGE high-speed data, and steps up to Bluetooth 2.0, double the memory, and a new Intel XScale processor. Other features remain the same, including quad-band GSM, a SureType text keypad, speakerphone, and Java.

Offered By:

T-Mobile Tentative
Cellular One / Dobson
Cingular

Motorola i670 Phone

Release Date:
Q2 2006

Released For:
Nextel

Released for Nextel, the Motorola i670 is a compact clamshell-style phone that delivers powerful performance at a moderate cost. The i670 is designed for simplicity, while still delivering outstanding features wireless customers demand; including Direct Connect, allowing instant communication through walkie-talkie service and A-GPS technology to enable the only real time turn-by-turn visual and audible driving directions. The i670 features a vibrant 65K-color screen, is equipped with Java technology, and is designed for the budget conscious who value Nextel's integrated wireless phones and advanced features.

LG Chocolate (VX8500) Phone

Release Date:
Q3 2006

Released For:
Verizon Wireless - Upcoming

Released for Verizon Wireless, the LG Chocolate (VX8500) offers a minimalist-inspired style, silky-smooth slide design, and a glowing, touch-sensitive keypad. Paired with a rich array of features that includes VCAST Music and Video, consumers will be able to enjoy streaming multimedia on the go. The Chocolate (VX8500) provides a protected 1.3-megapixel camera with camcorder ability, Bluetooth capabilities with A2DP protocol for wireless stereo souond, and a microSD memory port for extra storage.

LG Chocolate (VX8500) Features

Innovative sliding design with touch-sensitive navigation keys
Built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, multi-step zoom, flash, and video clip capture and playback capabilities
Bluetooth compatible with devices that support the headset and handsfree profiles including A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution) profile for wireless music listening
MicroSD external memory port to store pictures, videos, sounds and music
WAP 2.0 compliant browser with EV-DO for high-speed data transmission including VCAST video and music on-demand

Sony P990i Approved for the USA

Some people call it the mother of all smartphones, and rightly so. Sony Ericsson's P990i cell phone has been granted approval by the FCC, ensuring it reaches our grubby l'il hands. The phone boasts Symbian OS 9.1 as well as the upgraded UIQ 3 platform.

How soon can we expect this baby? I'd guess sometime in August would be good. We've been waiting a long time for UIQ 3 and it'll be interesting to see what Sony Ericsson has done with it. Like its predecessors, the P990i features the familiar Jog Dial to scroll around the menu items.

A Task Manager is integrated, allowing you to switch between tasks. The phone supports Memory Stick PRO Duo media. Our coverage of the Sony Ericsson P990i Cell Phone is also available.

Highlights:

Bluetooth 2.0
IrDa
WLAN 802.11b
High speed UMTS modem (384 kbps)
Word, excel and PowerPoint viewers/editors (text only)
Adobe PDF viewer
Opera 8.0 web browser with landscape full screen support
RSS news feeds support
Source: FCC
Sony Ericsson

Sanyo Katana Ultra-Thin Clamshell Launched by Sprint

Sanyo today announced the launch of the Sanyo Katana, an ultra-thin, affordable phone designed to appeal to fashion-centric consumers.

Making its debut throughout the month of July in four bold colors, including Mystic Black, Blue Sapphire, Cherry Blossom Pink, and Polar White (a color sold exclusively at RadioShack), the Katana will be available at Sprint Stores, online and at select third-party retailers for $279.99 or $79.99 after rebates with a two-year subscriber agreement.

Key Features

- Sleek Profile - Ultra-thin clamshell design and internal antenna
- Bluetooth Wireless Technology - Enjoy handsfree communication by using headsets, car-kits, and other select Bluetooth-capable devices, or transfer addresses using Bluetooth and use the phone as a dial-up modem for quick access to the Internet
- Large, High-Resolution Main Display - See more detail and more text in high resolution
- Built-In VGA Camera - Capture images up to 480 x 640 pixels with the built-in VGA camera with digital zoom
- Built-in Speakerphone - Accomplish other tasks while you talk with callers through a two-way speakerphone

Services Supported

- Sprint PCS Vision - Download images, ringers, games, and other applications
- Sprint PCS Picture Mail - Instantly shoot, share, and print digital pictures through participating retailers across the country
- Text Messaging - Send and receive SMS Text Messages across the room or across the country
- Wireless Backup - Restore contact information quickly and easily if the phone is ever lost, stolen, damaged or replaced

Sony Ericsson W300 / Z530

This update to the Z520 adds a memory card slot and EDGE high-speed data. The W300 version also adds Walkman music player and styling. Other key features include Bluetooth, camera, internal antenna, and speakerphone. Software features include support for Flash Lite and SVG Tiny.

Planned Availability: mid-2006

Verizon Launches First 3.2 Megapixel Camera Phone

Verizon Wireless today officially launched the previously-rumored Samsung A990, the country's first camera phone with 3.2 megapixel resolution. Advanced camera capabilities include an auto-focus lens, flash, video capture up to one hour, business card reader, viewing via TV output, and printing via PictBridge or Bluetooth. A twisting display folds back to serve as a large viewfinder in camera mode. The high-end CDMA clamshell phone also supports EVDO high-speed data, including Verizon's VCast and VCast Music services. Other advanced features of the phone include a microSD memory card slot, Bluetooth, and location API to support GPS-based navigation services. The A990 is available today online for $350 after rebates, with a two-year contract. It will be available in stores on July 24.

Samsung SGH-ZX20

Release Date:
Q2 2006

Released For:
Cingular

Released for Cingular, the SGH-ZX20 is expected to be the first HSDPA phone in the U.S. Allowing quick downloads of ringtones, games and Web browsing, the SGH-ZX20's HSDPA high-speed service means smooth feeds for streaming video content. For additional productivity, the SGH-ZX20's silver and black-lined exterior features a 1.3-megapixel camera with flash as well as Bluetooth wireless technology support, which complements the speakerphone for easy voice communications.

LG VX5300

Release Date:
Q3 2006

Released For:
Verizon Wireless - Upcoming

Released for Verizon Wireless, the LG VX5300 is the successor to the VX5200. Showcasing style and function with LG's trademark clamshell design, the VX530 features an integrated VGA camera, speaker-independent voice recognition and adds Bluetooth wireless technology. Fun extras like BREW gaming and MMS make the VX5300 the handset that combines business with pleasure

Features:

Full-color internal and external LCDs
Integrated VGA CMOS digital camera with flash and 2x digital zoom
Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free connectivity
Customizable brightness, white balance, shutter sound, color effects
Speaker-independent voice recognition with full-duplex speakerphone
Voice Memo Recorder can store up to 100 memos 1 minute each
Personal organizer with Calendar, Scheduler, Alarm Clock, and Notepad
Tools including World Clock, Calculator, and Ez Tip Calc
Announce Mode for audio confirmation of menu navigation