Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

"The Motorola Q9h is still one of our all-time faves here at WMExperts HQ... between the Q9h and the BlackJack II: the Q9h is more expensive. Looks like that last part is getting slightly better, as we're seeing the after-contract price on AT&T's site down to $149 after rebate compared to the BJII's post-rebate price of $99. What about that first downfall? Well, we're hearing a funny little rumor courtesy of Eric: apparently some AT&T stores are not only running out of stock on the Q9h, the manager is actually telling folks that it's been discontinued. It's a long shot, but we know that the Q9h has appeared before with WiFi: supposedly some pre-release models had it and BGR's Q9h has it for sure. So dare to dream this Monday morning, but don't dare too much, we don't see this happening quite yet."



As someone who has worked on the floor slinging phones for many years, you can most likely chop this one up to the rumor heap. I wouldn't expect to see the Motorola Q9h discontinued anytime soon and more often than not the less ethical individuals on the sales floor will tell you whatever pops in their pretty little heads so you will purchase one of the phones in their store and not run off to another store to buy your new handset. This is one of the sad dirty little facts of the cellular world in the United States. Almost all sales associates are paid on commission so if you do not purchase something from them it can directly affect how much they make.

Now if AT&T suddenly drops the price of the Motorola Q9h to about $49.99 after mail-in rebate or lower then I would suggest worrying as that was Cingular's old mantra for getting rid of handsets that were going to be discontinued. At the current price we are seeing for this handset indicates that they are not expecting to push these out the door as quickly as possible or make room for an upgraded model… Though a Wi-Fi enabled Motorola Q9h would be most appreciated.

"AT&T's Chief of Mobility, Ralph de la Vega, was recently quoted as saying that his company intends to offer data speeds of up to 20Mbps on its network by 2009. AT&T has previously committed to using the yet-to-be-standardized LTE technology for its next-generation 4G network. AT&T is currently testing an HSPA upgrade that will offer speeds up to 7.2Mbps, and already offers PC Cards that will support it. AT&T is in a unique position because these speed enhancements are merely software upgrades to existing equipment, and would require limited resources to deploy, as opposed to implementing an entirely new network."



Jumping from 7.2Mbps to 20Mbps is a significant bandwidth increase. In theory by the year 2009 my HSDPA enabled phone would be able to download whatever I wanted quicker than my current cable connection from Comcast. Hopefully with the increased data speeds AT&T will finally get around to releasing some video conferencing enabled devices, preferably of the Windows Mobile variety.

"The slim, affordable Samsung BlackJack was one of AT&T's big hits in the smartphone space last year. So what's next? The BlackJack II with a variety of tweaks, updates and additions just in time for the Christmas 2007 holiday season. The form factor is identical, and that's a good thing since the BlackJack felt great in the hand and in the pocket. New is the gloss black finish which isn't a good thing: it shows fingerprints like crazy and is so slippery we felt like we were trying to hold onto a bar of soap in the tub. Everyone loved the soft touch, grippy finish on the BlackJack and we can only guess that this was a cosmetic move to make the phone look more high class and err... sexy?"



MobileTechReview has put up a great review of the Samsung Blackjack II. For those that are unfamiliar with this device, it is the update to Samsung and AT&T's breakout Smartphone of 2006-2007. This bad boy comes equipped with Windows Mobile 6 Standard, HSDPA radio, 2MP camera, larger screen, GPS, and a improved upon QWERTY keyboard. If I didn't already own a Motorola Q9h Global, I would definitely be all over this device. Also, in time for Valentines� day, you can pick up a sleek and sexy red Samsung Blackjack II from your local AT&T store for a mere $99USD (most likely after mail-in-rebates). All in all, this device is a welcome edition to the Samsung Blackjack family and if you're in the market for a new device, you might want to give this device a look.

"After having given its newer BlackJack II cousin plenty of breathing room in the WinMo 6 spotlight, Samsung's finally doubling back to bring the original up to spec. No, seriously: as of 5PM Eastern Time today, you'll be able to hit the attached link and download Windows Mobile 6 (an official ROM, finally) for your old-skool BlackJack in all its glory. For folks not in need of the II's GPS, the upgrade should breathe new life into a handset that still holds its own in the smartphone pack, and for some time now, has been just one small upgrade away from avoiding the proverbial glue factory. Let us know how it goes, updaters!"



Woohoo! I think it is safe to say that all of the original AT&T Samsung Blackjack owners can finally breathe a sigh of relief. While everyone has been telling us an update is on the way, times were starting to look bleak as Samsung and AT&T released an upgraded version of the older hardware. Normally once a company does that, there is no reason to upgrade the previous generation's software. Luckily for us though, Samsung and AT&T (and of course, Microsoft) stepped up to the plate and decided to not only release a software update for their older hardware, but didn't charge us an arm and a leg for it either!

NOTE: The update will not be available for download until after 5:00PM Eastern Standard Time! Please keep in mind that if you try to download the update now, you will only download the Windows Mobile 5 update!

"I am on my 12th windows mobile device (not a novice user, just for context for this rant). I purchased the AT&T Q Global yesterday, being pleased with the specs, form fact etc. Then my disappointment and frustration with AT&T hit an all time high! They disabled, removed and otherwise made unavailable the VPN connection capabilities of the device! Thats right, when I contacted the AT&T biz tech support they pushed me straight into a corporate sales rep to try to sell me an enterprise connectivity solution. Now I admit I am not a true technology professional, but it appears that AT&T has hit a new level of incomprehensible arrogance with this move. Disabiling core WM6 functionality to drive enterprise solution sales?!? I hope I am wrong and I hope to see someone prove me wrong on this! I look forward to reading more about this."

A few days ago one of our readers, Mike Cioce, sent us this email to make us as well as our readers aware of this issue. Since that time I have spent a few hours on the phone with several of my contacts that are still working for AT&T as well as their Business technical support. Unfortunately, no one can give me a straight answer as to whether or not this is the case with AT&T's data network. While I am 100% positive that an account representative gave this information to Mike, from personal experience I have learned that AT&T's customer service representatives tend to be some of the most ill trained "experts" of any carrier... and I was right since no one knew for sure if this is the case or not! As a word of caution to any of our readers that are interested in purchasing this handset, especially for it's VPN abilities, prepare to pay out the nose for the Enterprise Connectivity solutions.

Now before anyone starts revolting in outrage, I can for the most part explain why a company such as AT&T might take this approach. When I worked for AT&T (formally Cingualr) it was common knowledge that the individuals that usually used these features did so for their business needs and would usually consume a large portion of data every month. Way more than the the standard consumer could every use. Realistically it would be a horrible business move for AT&T to not charge customers that are using those features an extra data cost! While I understand the frustration of being locked out of a feature your phone supports at the same time I understand that business customers can afford to spend more on their bills every month, especially with the amount of data they consume.

"Samsung Blackjack is now eligible for Wireless Phone Insurance. As of August 7, 2007, the Blackjack is added to the insurance-eligible list. All portal eligibility listings are being updated at this time. All channels can begin offering Wireless Phone Insurance on the Blackjack to new activations, upgrades, and to any customer still within their 30 day enrollment period as of August 7, 2007 with this device. "



All I can say is, “It's about time!” As long as I can remember, I have been annoyed with AT&T/Cingular's stance on not allowing users to add insurance to smartphones — not just Microsoft Smartphones, but all smartphones! It seems as though AT&T is finally starting to wise up by allowing all new customer who have purchased the Samsung Blackjack to add insurance to the handset. Unfortunately, if you are not a new customer, or out of your 30-day grace period, you will not qualify for this must have feature! Hopefully this changes in the very near future! During my time with Cingular, I have seen hundreds of water damaged and destroyed handsets. To not have insurance on a phone that is so expensive is ridiculous!

Looking for a great deal on a Windows Mobile Standard handset? Well right now you can grab a refurbished Samsung Blackjack for the low price of $50USD, with no mail-in rebates! You do, however, have to sign up for a new two year contract. :)



If you are like me and cannot stomach the thought of using a refurbished device, or could care less about the Samsung Blackjack, there are a few other deals that Cingular has right now on other Windows Mobile Standard devices! Here are a few of there other offerings below. Remember, all of these deals require a new two year contract!

• Samsung Blackjack (new) - $74.99USD after mail-in rebate
  
• Cingular 3125 (new) - $99.99USD after mail-in rebate
  
• Cingular 3125 (refurb) - $79.99USD

"Here is the latest information regarding windows mobile 6.0 and the BlackJack. Samsung and Microsoft are submitting 6.0 software version to Cingular on May 26th. At that time Cingular has 8 weeks to review the OS and give approval. Given the approval all BlackJack from late July time frame going forward will come from the factory with the new 6.0 OS. Also at that time there will be a download for existing BlackJack users who want to upgrade via an Cingular/AT&T hosted website. So yes , given Cingular approval the BlackJack will support windows 6.0 OS."

Smartphone Thoughts reader, Foxbat121 has posted a copy of a letter sent from Samsungs National Accounts Manager that talks about the possibility of Cingular releasing a Windows Mobile 6 update for their 3 top selling phones. If you're questioning the validity of this post, then you might want to read a recent post over on Engadget Mobile that has the exact same information. It's starting to look very promising. I hope I can wait until July. :mrgreen:

"I called Cingular�s International Care Center at (916) 843-4685 Tuesday morning and spoke with a customer service representative, who confirmed that I could unlock all my Cingular phones for international travel. To unlock my Blackjack, I read him my International Mobile Equipment Identity, or IMEI, number, which can be found on the product box or by entering the code *#06# on the Blackjack�s keypad. After I read him the IMEI, he processed it through the computer and gave me an unlock code specific to my phone. He then instructed me to power down my phone, take out the Subscriber Identification Module, or SIM, card and power it back up. Once the phone rebooted, I entered in the code ########## (blanked out since this code will only work for Wayne), which brought up the prompt: Enter Network Control Key. I put in my unlock code, and the phone returned the message: Successfully Disable Locking Status."

I tried calling this number yesterday during my lunch break but I did not have the same luck. Unfortunately the customer service representative that took my call did not appear to have any idea of what she was doing. Needless to say, I'll try calling again later today. If any of our readers have managed to unlock their handsets using this method, let us know! :)

Is it a sign of a phones success or the end of its life span when Amazon starts to offer it for free after rebates? I'm going with the success option - especially in this case. ;) Cingular's QWERTY based Windows Mobile device, the Samsung i607 (aka BlackJack) is now available for the incredibly low price of $0.00 after rebates. In typical Amazon fashion, you�ll need to sign a contract in order to qualify for this rebate. That�s not a big deal for those of you that are looking to get your first device or are currently out of contract with your carrier. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Amazon and grab yourself one of the hottest Smartphones on the market today. :D [Affiliate]

"AT&T Inc.'s Cingular Wireless, the No. 1 U.S. mobile phone service by customer base, on Wednesday said quarterly profit nearly quadrupled, boosted by customer growth that beat Wall Street estimates. AT&T, which took full control of Cingular when it bought BellSouth last month, saw its shares rise $1.24, or 3.5 percent, to $36.60 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange... Cingular said fourth-quarter profit rose to $782 million from $204 million a year ago. Revenue was up 10.2 percent to $9.8 billion."

It is always good news to here that one of the biggest US carriers of Windows Mobile devices is doing well. With all of that money though, I'm surprised there are still a large number of markets without 3G coverage. ;)

"AT&T Wireless was once an independent company that had been spun off from AT&T Corp. Cingular Wireless LLC bought the wireless operator and eliminated the AT&T Wireless brand. Then SBC, one of the owners of Cingular, bought AT&T, adopting the AT&T brand for its landline services. More recently, AT&T bought BellSouth Corp., the other owner of Cingular, spurring the switch back to the AT&T brand for the wireless service. Now that AT&T is the parent company of several telecommunications brands, it is consolidating the branding under the AT&T name as a way of cutting costs. AT&T estimates that 20% of the operating expenses it expects to save through the merger with BellSouth will come from consolidating advertising."



I wasn't too attached to the Cingular name so I will not be heartbroken to see it fade away. The good news is, since all of the AT&T Wireless customers were finally migrated to the Cingular billing system, there should be no interruptions in service. As much as I love Cingular's service, I don't think I could go through that much torture again. :)

"It should go down, but from January 21st, Cingular Wireless will raise the text-messaging rate it charges customers without a monthly texting plan to 15 cents per message sent or received, an increase of 5 cents. "The rise comes two months after an identical move by Sprint Nextel Corp., which also raised the rate for pay-as-you-go texting from 10 cents to 15 cents per message," reports the IndyStar. "Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA each charge 10 cents per message sent or received without a texting plan."

Yikes, looks like it is time to hop on a text messaging plan if you have not done so already. If you are a Cingular customer using a Smartphone, there is no reason why you should not already have the MEdia Max 200 Bundle feature plan added to your account. The MEdia Max 200 Bundle includes unlimited MEdia Net, unlimited access to Cingular Video and 200 messages for only $19.99 a month! :)

"Today Cingular announced that it has 3G data coverage in more than 160 markets in the US. We personally ran into this bit of good news the other day while testing a Cingular 8525 in our location outside of Philadelphia. We had expected to be making a trip to New York City to test out the 8525's 3G data capabilities, but were pleasantly surprised when the 'U' (as in UMTS) marker showed up on the phone's status line."

I remember when Cingular only had 3G coverage in 17 markets! It is amazing how quickly companies such as Cingular can implement technology such as this all across the country in such record times. Now if only T-Mobile would stop screwing around and hop on the 3G bandwagon. ;)

"A Qualcomm official has stated that USA's own Cingular Wireless "is set to launch" a 7.2Mbps HSDPA service this coming January (at the earliest). While we're not sure if that figure is theoretical or otherwise, nor do we know its complimentary upload speed, we've found that the service will hit speed-hungry laptops equipped with PCMCIA slots real soon. While upping the speeds of HSDPA services seems to be all the rage these days, we're glad to see such a substantial jump happening right here. Notably, Cingular probably won't be alone in such launches come 2007, as Australian service provider Telstra is already planning to hit its customers up with the same luxury, while a spokesperson from SK Telecom boasted that its networks were "already designed" to support the blazing speeds, insinuating that a boost in service could be just around the bend."

Here is hoping that you will not be required to purchase new equipment to benefit from the speed boost! With my current HSDPA connection I reach speeds which clock in at around 800-850kbps, almost double the speeds of EVDO users in my area. I can't even begin to imagine what my connection speeds will be after the upgrade. Hopefully this speed increase doesn't melt my brand new Blackjack! :lol:

"One thing that Verizon does well is marketing. Cingular does a decent job, but not good enough in my opinion. The new Blackjack, that is so good that I bought one to keep for myself, has a nice marketing campaign starting up. There has been commencials and I have seen prominant web banner ads already."



This is one great and creative commercial. It makes me want to get a BlackJack. Oh wait, I already have one. :lol:

"With the announcement of the Cingular Blackjack (Samsung SGH-i607) Monday via webcast, Cingular completed it's 1st Windows Mobile sweep of HSDPA devices. One Smartphone and One Pocket PC phone. I am happy now. I had the chance to do some 3G speeding in Birmingham Alabama when I was visiting my parents, but no 3G here yet..."

A very cool and very long video showing off the Samsung Blackjack. While the video is pretty neat, I don't think it shows off just how truly cool this device is. I traded in my Cingular 3125 earlier today and picked one of these up for myself! After using HTC products for the last few years, it feels really good to use a device made by a different manufacturer! 8)

We just got our hands on the press release from Cingular for the hot new Samsung i607 Smartphone. This is the BlackJack that we've heard and seen so much about over the last couple months. As expected, it will be a 3G Smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard. You should be able to pick one up on November 16th (yes, just a couple days from now) for $199 with a contract. For those of you that are interested, the full press release can be found below. It looks like a winner to me! So, who else is going to buy one? "CINGULAR, SAMSUNG HAVE ACE IN HANDWITH LAUNCH OF NEW BLACKJACK� SMART DEVICE New Cingular Exclusive Offers Ultra-Thin Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smart Device With Fully Integrated QWERTY Keyboard in Sleek 3G-powered Form FactorAnd for those Entertainment Enthusiasts, BlackJack also offers Access to Cingular Music � the Ultimate Mobile Music ExperienceAtlanta, Dallas and Redmond, Wash. � November 13, 2006 � Cingular Wireless, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and Microsoft Corp. today unveiled the BlackJack�*, a robust, slim smart device packed with the power and functionality desired by business customers and consumers alike. With the BlackJack� customers can get rich entertainment features, powerful business applications and the familiar look and feel of Windows Mobile� 5.0, turbo-charged by Cingular�s 3G-enabled BroadbandConnect service in an ultra sleek design.The stylish and compact BlackJack� will be available exclusively from Cingular in the U.S. in mid-November for as low as $199.99 (with a two-year activation and unlimited data plan). This ultra-thin 3G device features a fully integrated QWERTY keyboard with a large high-resolution QVGA color screen.Built to satisfy everyone from the music fan to the business user, BlackJackTM includes a bevy of cutting edge features:� MP3 player and access to Cingular MusicTM, the most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind ever offered by a U.S. wireless carrier, including access to online subscription music content from eMusic, Napster and Yahoo!� Cingular Video - Cingular�s on-demand streaming video service featuring exclusive content such as HBO� High speed Internet browsing over Internet Explorer� Mobile optimized for Cingular�s 3G and EDGE networks� 1.3 mega pixel digital camera with video capture capabilities� Stereo Bluetooth� version 2.0 with stereo headset support� QWERTY keyboard for fast email and textingIn addition, the BlackJack� provides users easy wireless access to business and personal email accounts through such solutions as Good Mobile Messaging, Microsoft� direct push technology with Outlook� Mobile and Cingular Xpress Mail. The BlackJack� also offers over-the-air synchronization of calendar, contact and to-do lists and access to enterprise applications.�The BlackJack is a winner,� said Stan Sigman, president and CEO of Cingular Wireless. �The BlackJack represents the best that Cingular, Microsoft and Samsung have to offer in terms of innovation and collaboration. We have hit on the right formula in developing a handheld device that will appeal both to the most discerning business users and the most entertainment savvy consumers.�"Blackjack is a true converged product that serves voice and data needs with strengths in multimedia and organization satisfying today's on-the-go consumer," said Kitae Lee, president, Samsung Telecommunication Network Business. "Samsung is excited to be working with Cingular and Microsoft to bring the Blackjack to the US market.FAMILIARITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE DESKTOP, MINUS THE DESKTOP With Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Cingular BlackJack users have access to mobile versions of many of the familiar Microsoft features found on their desktops, such as Windows Media� Player 10 Mobile, Internet Explorer� Mobile and Outlook� Mobile.�Cingular and Samsung really hit the jackpot with BlackJack,� said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft. �It shows how far we have come in our efforts to make Windows Mobile truly easy to use. For millions of mobile professionals, this is the device that will be the bridge between work and play.�The BlackJack� also includes the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, which provides support for Microsoft direct push technology to keep e-mail, calendar, tasks and contacts always up-to-date, as well as security features such as remote device wipe and rich-security encryption features.ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDThe BlackJack� offers users a host of entertainment options from listening to music to viewing video clips to browsing the Internet or shopping at Cingular�s MEdia Mall for ringtones, games and graphics. The BlackJack also includes access to Cingular�s latest, exciting entertainment? offering, Cingular Music � an integrated, on-the-go music experience that delivers �your music, your way� by providing simple access to the most robust collection of music content available today, including XM Satellite Radio, which comes pre-loaded on the device. BlackJack users can easily access and enjoy 25 commercial-free music channels from XM Satellite Radio through the XM Radio Mobile service.With Cingular Music, the new BlackJack? connects users to a one-stop shop for everything music on the handset, such as full-track songs, music videos, ringtones, music news, MusicID, music chat rooms, streaming music and more. Cingular is the first U.S. carrier to offer subscription music to the handset, including music from leading online retailers Napster, Yahoo! and eMusic.For the visually oriented, the BlackJack� will feature Cingular VideoTM, Cingular�s on-demand streaming video service. With Cingular VideoTM, users can watch a large selection of video clips of their favorite television shows, sports, news and weather, entertainment and premium content, including such hit HBO programs as �The Sopranos,� �Entourage,� �Sex and The City,� and �Curb Your Enthusiasm.�With an amazing color screen, wireless broadband capabilities, 1.3 mega pixel digital camera that can record video and a full media experience with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, customers can stay entertained with the BlackJack� while on the go. It also includes a speakerphone and features Bluetooth� version 2.0 with stereo headset support to enjoy music wirelessly.Cingular customers who use the BlackJack� can take the 3G-powered Cingular BroadbandConnect experience with them using the largest national wireless data network and get 3G performance in more than 130 markets in the U.S. surrounding more than 50 major metropolitan cities. They also can use the BlackJackTM seamlessly outside of BroadbandConnect coverage areas via Cingular�s nationwide* EDGE wireless data network as well as overseas in more than 115 countries.AVAILABILITY AND PRICINGThe BlackJack� will be available November 16, 2006 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year activation, a qualified voice plan and an unlimited data plan. Customers can purchase the device in select Cingular Wireless retail stores nationwide, from select dealers and national retailers, on http://www.cingular.com and through Cingular�s B2B direct sales team.*Model Number: SGH-i607"

We just got our hands on the press release from Cingular for the hot new Samsung i607 Smartphone. This is the BlackJack that we've heard and seen so much about over the last couple months. As expected, it will be a 3G Smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard. You should be able to pick one up on November 16th (yes, just a couple days from now) for $199 with a contract. For those of you that are interested, the full press release can be found below. It looks like a winner to me! So, who else is going to buy one? "CINGULAR, SAMSUNG HAVE ACE IN HANDWITH LAUNCH OF NEW BLACKJACK� SMART DEVICE New Cingular Exclusive Offers Ultra-Thin Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Smart Device With Fully Integrated QWERTY Keyboard in Sleek 3G-powered Form FactorAnd for those Entertainment Enthusiasts, BlackJack also offers Access to Cingular Music � the Ultimate Mobile Music ExperienceAtlanta, Dallas and Redmond, Wash. � November 13, 2006 � Cingular Wireless, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and Microsoft Corp. today unveiled the BlackJack�*, a robust, slim smart device packed with the power and functionality desired by business customers and consumers alike. With the BlackJack� customers can get rich entertainment features, powerful business applications and the familiar look and feel of Windows Mobile� 5.0, turbo-charged by Cingular�s 3G-enabled BroadbandConnect service in an ultra sleek design.The stylish and compact BlackJack� will be available exclusively from Cingular in the U.S. in mid-November for as low as $199.99 (with a two-year activation and unlimited data plan). This ultra-thin 3G device features a fully integrated QWERTY keyboard with a large high-resolution QVGA color screen.Built to satisfy everyone from the music fan to the business user, BlackJackTM includes a bevy of cutting edge features:� MP3 player and access to Cingular MusicTM, the most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind ever offered by a U.S. wireless carrier, including access to online subscription music content from eMusic, Napster and Yahoo!� Cingular Video - Cingular�s on-demand streaming video service featuring exclusive content such as HBO� High speed Internet browsing over Internet Explorer� Mobile optimized for Cingular�s 3G and EDGE networks� 1.3 mega pixel digital camera with video capture capabilities� Stereo Bluetooth� version 2.0 with stereo headset support� QWERTY keyboard for fast email and textingIn addition, the BlackJack� provides users easy wireless access to business and personal email accounts through such solutions as Good Mobile Messaging, Microsoft� direct push technology with Outlook� Mobile and Cingular Xpress Mail. The BlackJack� also offers over-the-air synchronization of calendar, contact and to-do lists and access to enterprise applications.�The BlackJack is a winner,� said Stan Sigman, president and CEO of Cingular Wireless. �The BlackJack represents the best that Cingular, Microsoft and Samsung have to offer in terms of innovation and collaboration. We have hit on the right formula in developing a handheld device that will appeal both to the most discerning business users and the most entertainment savvy consumers.�"Blackjack is a true converged product that serves voice and data needs with strengths in multimedia and organization satisfying today's on-the-go consumer," said Kitae Lee, president, Samsung Telecommunication Network Business. "Samsung is excited to be working with Cingular and Microsoft to bring the Blackjack to the US market.FAMILIARITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE DESKTOP, MINUS THE DESKTOP With Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, Cingular BlackJack users have access to mobile versions of many of the familiar Microsoft features found on their desktops, such as Windows Media� Player 10 Mobile, Internet Explorer� Mobile and Outlook� Mobile.�Cingular and Samsung really hit the jackpot with BlackJack,� said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft. �It shows how far we have come in our efforts to make Windows Mobile truly easy to use. For millions of mobile professionals, this is the device that will be the bridge between work and play.�The BlackJack� also includes the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, which provides support for Microsoft direct push technology to keep e-mail, calendar, tasks and contacts always up-to-date, as well as security features such as remote device wipe and rich-security encryption features.ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDThe BlackJack� offers users a host of entertainment options from listening to music to viewing video clips to browsing the Internet or shopping at Cingular�s MEdia Mall for ringtones, games and graphics. The BlackJack also includes access to Cingular�s latest, exciting entertainment? offering, Cingular Music � an integrated, on-the-go music experience that delivers �your music, your way� by providing simple access to the most robust collection of music content available today, including XM Satellite Radio, which comes pre-loaded on the device. BlackJack users can easily access and enjoy 25 commercial-free music channels from XM Satellite Radio through the XM Radio Mobile service.With Cingular Music, the new BlackJack? connects users to a one-stop shop for everything music on the handset, such as full-track songs, music videos, ringtones, music news, MusicID, music chat rooms, streaming music and more. Cingular is the first U.S. carrier to offer subscription music to the handset, including music from leading online retailers Napster, Yahoo! and eMusic.For the visually oriented, the BlackJack� will feature Cingular VideoTM, Cingular�s on-demand streaming video service. With Cingular VideoTM, users can watch a large selection of video clips of their favorite television shows, sports, news and weather, entertainment and premium content, including such hit HBO programs as �The Sopranos,� �Entourage,� �Sex and The City,� and �Curb Your Enthusiasm.�With an amazing color screen, wireless broadband capabilities, 1.3 mega pixel digital camera that can record video and a full media experience with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, customers can stay entertained with the BlackJack� while on the go. It also includes a speakerphone and features Bluetooth� version 2.0 with stereo headset support to enjoy music wirelessly.Cingular customers who use the BlackJack� can take the 3G-powered Cingular BroadbandConnect experience with them using the largest national wireless data network and get 3G performance in more than 130 markets in the U.S. surrounding more than 50 major metropolitan cities. They also can use the BlackJackTM seamlessly outside of BroadbandConnect coverage areas via Cingular�s nationwide* EDGE wireless data network as well as overseas in more than 115 countries.AVAILABILITY AND PRICINGThe BlackJack� will be available November 16, 2006 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year activation, a qualified voice plan and an unlimited data plan. Customers can purchase the device in select Cingular Wireless retail stores nationwide, from select dealers and national retailers, on http://www.cingular.com and through Cingular�s B2B direct sales team.*Model Number: SGH-i607"

"I have now received information on a new Windows Mobile Smartphone device from Pantech which will be launching before the end of the year. It is said to be the size of a business card, and have three-way slide out functionality. Normal slide up for keypad, and also horizontal slides for different control features, most likely MP3 player controls etc."

Sounds to me a bit freakish in design but we shall see. Has anyone else heard of this or seen any pictures of such a device?